Xavi Espart has become one of the names exciting Hansi Flick most. The 19-year-old right-back already made his first-team debut with FC Barcelona this season. His appearance left a very positive feeling inside the blaugrana technical staff.
The German coach especially values his personality, bravery and calmness on the ball. It is not common for such a young academy player to show that control. That is why Flick even compared him to Philipp Lahm, a huge reference.
A profile Flick really likes
Espart is not a traditional right-back, because he originally developed as a midfielder. That background explains many of his current strengths in Barça’s build-up play. He reads situations well, stays patient and chooses calmly under pressure.
Flick sees a player capable of offering different solutions from the right side. He can provide width, but also move inside to help circulation. That double function fits very well with a Barça side built on control.
The German coach does not make comparisons lightly, especially with someone like Lahm. Flick knows exactly what the former Bayern Munich captain represented tactically. That comment about Espart reflects real trust and very serious internal admiration.
The debut that changed his situation
Espart’s first-team debut arrived in a context of maximum competitive demand. Playing in the Champions League is always an emotional test for any academy player. The full-back responded calmly and did not look overwhelmed by the stage.
That performance reinforced the feeling that he can grow inside Barça’s project. At La Masia, his technical quality and tactical intelligence were already well known. But doing it with the first team gave his candidacy another dimension.
Barça have searched for internal solutions to avoid depending only on the market. Right-back is one of the positions where Flick needs reliable alternatives. Espart could become interesting if he maintains this growth level.
The competition will be demanding
The path will not be easy because right-back competition remains very strong. Jules Koundé is still the defensive reference through experience, physique and consistency. Héctor Fort also enters the battle after receiving a preseason opportunity.
Espart must convince Flick in every session and use every available minute. His advantage is offering a different, more associative and attacking profile. That uniqueness could help him in a squad with many tactical needs.
Barça do not want to rush a player who is still developing. The idea is to measure his evolution, protect his confidence and decide calmly. If he responds in preseason, he could become a real alternative.
La Masia opens another door
Espart’s story again shows the competitive value still living inside La Masia. Flick has shown he looks at performance and personality, not only age. When an academy player responds, the coach is not afraid to give space.
The full-back has physique, technique and a tactical maturity that make him interesting. He still needs to improve defensively, especially in long duels and tense matches. But his confidence on the ball already separates him from many full-backs.
Barça now have another exciting file in a position always difficult to cover. Flick values him, the club observe him and preseason could be decisive. The twist is clear: Xavi Espart is no longer just a promise, but a right-back knocking on the door.
Caution note: At the time of writing, Xavi Espart’s permanent first-team role has not been officially confirmed.
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