RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesHansi Flick convinced by Barcelona youngster’s rapid progress during pre-season
La Masia seem to have already given their next gem to the Barcelona first team, with Xavi Espart the latest academy graduate seemingly ready for Hansi Flick’s squad.
The 19-year-old Spanish gem broke into the first-team set-up in the latter stages of last season, even making his debut against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Espart has since gone on to enhance his reputation with his performances for Spain Under-19 at the Euros and in the pre-season games under Flick.
Now, according to SPORT , Espart has emerged as one of the club’s standout performers at the pre-season training camp, convincing the coaching staff in the process.
Flick won over by Espart’s impact
His exploits have strengthened his chances of earning a place in Flick’s first team for the upcoming season, with the German and his staff pleased with his progress.
After starring as a defensive midfielder during Spain’s triumphant UEFA European Under-19 Championship campaign, Espart reported straight to Barcelona’s pre-season without taking a holiday.
Espart excelled as a midfielder at the U19 Euros. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
It was clear that the teenage gem was desperate to make an impression, and it looks like he has managed to do that.
Espart has adapted seamlessly to the right-back role during pre-season, looking equally comfortable in defence as he does in midfield.
The coaching staff have been pleasantly surprised by his defensive quality in that position, and his technical ability was never in doubt.
His performance against Birmingham City, where he started and delivered another composed display, particularly stood out.
Maturity stood out
Barcelona have been particularly pleased with Espart’s mentality, work ethic and willingness to embrace a different role for the benefit of the team.
His ability to step into midfield during the build-up remains a valuable asset and allows Flick to experiment with an inverted full-back set-up.
Those qualities have not gone unnoticed by Flick. Speaking recently about the academy graduate, the Barcelona manager praised the youngster’s impact both in training and in matches.
Espart has won over Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“Both in the match and in training, he has shown us that he is a top-level player,” Flick said .
Receiving such public praise from the coach will undoubtedly be a confidence boost for Espart ahead of the new season.
Opportunity to establish himself at right-back
Espart also benefits from the current squad situation. With Jules Kounde the only established first-team option at right-back, Barcelona are still evaluating the depth behind the Frenchman ahead of the new campaign.
The German manager is also said to have the idea of using Kounde as a central defender if the club do not sign a new player in that position.
This allows Espart to establish himself as the right-back in Flick’s team, and he is set to compete with Hector Fort for a prominent role in the upcoming campaign.
If he continues performing at this level throughout pre-season, Espart is giving Barcelona every reason to believe he can become much more than just another promising academy graduate in the not-too-distant future.
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