Barcelona coach Xavi was delighted with Eric Garcia's performance in victory over Elche.
Centre-back Garcia played at the base of the midfield three in Saturday's 4-0 win over Elche.
Xavi says the idea was raised by technical director Jordi Cruyff.
"It was Jordi Cruyff's idea, he has been saying it since last season, that he thinks he has the attributes to play there," Xavi told Movistar.
"We spoke about it with the staff and had a friendly game with the B team and he did well there. It was a great performance today. We could have a great pivot on our hands."