FC Barcelona continues to rely on La Masia as a key source of talent for the first team. With several injuries affecting the squad and an increasingly demanding calendar, coach Hansi Flick has begun testing new academy players in training.
In recent sessions, two young names have appeared working alongside the senior squad: Xavi Espart and Patricio Pacífico. Both players were invited to train with the group of substitutes from the first team, a clear sign that the coaching staff wants to evaluate them more closely.
According to reports from Sport, Flick called up both youngsters to participate in a training session with players who did not start the previous match.
Xavi Espart, one of the most promising academy talents
One of the names generating the most excitement internally is Xavi Espart. The young midfielder is widely regarded as one of the players with the greatest potential within Barcelona’s youth system.
Espart stands out for his technical quality, vision of the game and ability to combine with teammates — characteristics that perfectly fit the traditional Barça playing style.
Inside the club, there is growing belief that his development has been very positive over the last months. Because of this progress, the coaching staff wants to gradually introduce him to the dynamics of the first team.
Patricio Pacífico, another future prospect
The second player involved in the training session was Patricio Pacífico. The youngster recently arrived at Barcelona and has already caught the attention of the technical staff.
Pacífico is known for his physical strength, intensity and competitive mentality, qualities that Flick particularly values in young players making the step up to senior football.
His presence in first-team training is part of the club’s usual process of observing and evaluating the most promising talents from the academy.
Flick wants to expand his options
Flick has always shown a willingness to work with young talents if they prove ready for the challenge. In a context where several first-team players are dealing with injuries, the German coach is keen to broaden his range of options.
For that reason, he has started paying closer attention to academy players who are performing well in the youth teams.
Both Espart and Pacífico have already taken an important first step by training with the senior squad. If they continue developing at the same level, the possibility of seeing them make their first-team debut in the near future cannot be ruled out.
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