I think Garcia has been solid since just before the turn of the year. He was thrown into the lion's pit at St. James Park to protect a 1-0 lead and we didn't look close to conceding with him on the pitch. In fact, we rarely do whenever he's around.
His role in the team is crucial. He might not cover a lot of ground in a short space of time, and high profile moments such as his feeble attempt to keep within 2 yards of Ross Barkley make it look even worse, but he does more for the team than people realise.
He wins every header, protects Kompany and Demichelis without lifting a finger, pushes Yaya forward to support our strikers and keeps our shape superbly. He's the yardstick in the team.
A useful, solid and now ultimately reliable defensive midfielder that may be slow and a little soft in the tackle, but vital in the air and crucial to the balancing act we have to play at all times.
An upgrade on Barry? Not in all departments, but I know who I'd rather have now. Glad the fans have stuck by him enough. He had a difficult first few months with injuries and poor form, but he's happier now. He's settled and he's producing results. Well done, big man.