Barcelona defender Xavi Espart is one of the most closely watched talents emerging from La Masia and has now opened up about his first-team experience under Hansi Flick. Having already made his senior debut for Barcelona last season, Espart is seen as one of the academy's youngsters with a real opportunity to become a regular part of the first team in the coming years. The versatile youngster, capable of playing both at right-back and in midfield, sat down with AS to discuss his breakthrough campaign, his relationship with Hansi Flick and his ambitions at Barcelona.
For many La Masia players, making their debut for Barcelona's first team is the ultimate dream. For Xavi Espart, that dream came true in dramatic circumstances. "It was crazy – everything happened so fast. I was warming up and when it came time to come on, I wasn't expecting it; suddenly I found myself on the pitch out of nowhere. It was only seven minutes, but it felt like a mile a minute. It was a dream come true for me. I've been at Barça since I was very little and to make my debut like that, in a decisive Champions League game, was absolutely incredible. [Anthony] Gordon was there too, even though I didn't have to mark him (laughs)."
The young man also revealed the message that Hansi Flick gave him before sending him to the field. "It all happened so quickly that he barely had time to give me two very clear messages: to believe in myself and to play with confidence. Obviously, I'm very grateful for a comparison like that – he's a brilliant player, so it's a real compliment." The comparison in question was with the former Bayern Munich and Germany icon, Philipp Lahm, one of the most intelligent defenders of his generation.
One of the reasons why Espart is so well regarded at Barcelona is his tactical versatility. The youngster played as both a midfielder and right-back throughout his development, earning comparisons to the likes of Joshua Kimmich for his ability to operate comfortably across multiple positions. Asked where he feels most comfortable, the Barcelona academy graduate admitted he enjoys both roles. "I like both. I've taken on both roles. With Spain, I play as a midfielder and with Barça, I play as a wing-back, but as it's such a dominant team, I feel like another player in midfield and I'm very comfortable there."
The teenager also revealed which Barcelona legends influenced his development. Espart idolized Sergio Busquets growing up. "As a Barça player, I was lucky to see a team that always gave great importance to its midfielders, with real stars. I grew up watching and admiring [Sergio] Busquets." When discussing the full-backs, he added: "As for the full-backs, I really like [Sergi Roberto], who also played in both midfield and on the wing."
Barcelona's right-back position has been the subject of constant debate in recent seasons, which naturally raises questions about the possibility of Espart becoming part of the solution. The La Masia graduate already has Flick's trust and has benefited from training alongside some of the club's biggest stars, including Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Pedri. When discussing the influence of his fellow academy graduates, Espart said: "It helps a lot. I know them from La Masia, and it's not the same going into the Barça dressing room without knowing anyone. They try to make you feel included so you have more self-confidence. I trusted them a lot, but overall, the reception from everyone was brilliant."
As for the possibility of establishing himself in Barcelona's first team next season, the young man remains focused on his own development. "These are situations that I can't control. We'll have to wait and see what happens next season. I'm not worried about that. My goal is to focus on the European Championship," he concluded.