The new Philipp Lahm? Hansi Flick’s uncovered a versatile gem in Barcelona teenager Xavi Espart
Officially promoted to the first-team and handed the number 12 shirt, he reportedly abandoned his summer holiday so that he could maintain his momentum from the Euros. The decision paid off as he was trusted to play at right-back throughout pre-season.
“I feel Flick’s confidence and I want to stay in the first team; you have to take advantage of the opportunities,” he said. “Since coming back from the European Championship, I’ve tried to give 100 per cent here and show that I belong here and what I’m capable of. For now, I’m happy, but football is a day-by-day thing, and I’ll keep giving 100% to stay here.”
Starting in the friendly against Birmingham, he was composed on the ball and stayed glued to his man when the Championship side tried to attack down the wing or break into the box. Whether acting as an inverted full-back or dictating the tempo from the middle, his seamless transitions impressed Flick, who said afterwards the teenager “has made it clear to us that he is a top-level player.”
Right-back has been a problem area for the Spanish champions. Their financial resources went towards signing the likes of Rodri, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi in the summer, leaving Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo as the only other natural fits for the role.
Surprisingly, though, that’s not where Espart has been called on to fill in. He has completed all four La Liga games so far as a left-back at the expense of Alejandro Balde.
He looked strong against Elche and got his first assist, sending a diagonal pass to Fermin on the edge of the box to round off the scoring in a 5-0 win.
A bold display followed four days later against Athletic Club. He threw himself into physical battles, was building attacks and occasionally charged through the middle looking to create something. An excellent cross found Raphinha in a great position in the box, but the Brazilian’s header hit the post, denying Espart an assist.
“Xavi Espart is incredible,” Joan Garcia said of his defensive display in the 2-0 victory.
“I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing, even a little surprised by how he’s playing at left-back,” Flick said. “He’s always focused. He’s a player with great quality and, in one-on-one situations in defence, he’s top-class. I’m very happy with him. Like all players, he has room for improvement.”
He linked up with Raphinha again days later, squeezing into the half-space to play a quick pass to the captain, who ran through to net the equaliser in the 5-2 triumph against Rayo Vallecano.
