Barcelona defender Xavi Espart says he was pretty flattered to be compared to Germany legend Philipp Lahm earlier in the season by manager Hansi Flick.
The German coach talked up Espart back in March and then went on to hand the youngster his first-team debut in the Champions League against Newcastle.
Espart has been asked about his campaign and what he thought about Flick’s words.
“It was so quick that he barely had time to give me two very clear messages: to trust myself and play with confidence,”
he told AS. “Obviously, I really appreciate such a comparison; he’s a fantastic footballer, it’s a compliment.
“[My debut] was crazy, it all happened so fast. I was warming up and when I had to go on, I wasn’t expecting it at all, and suddenly I was on the pitch. It was just seven minutes, but I lived them at full speed.
“It was a dream come true. I’ve been at Barça since I was very young, and to make my debut like that, in a crucial Champions League match, was incredible. Gordon was around there, although I didn’t have to mark him!”
Espart is now with Spain’s Under-19s for the Euros where he plays a slightly different role but admits he doesn’t mind where he plays.
“I enjoy both. I’ve taken on both roles,” he added.
“With Spain I play as a midfielder and at Barça I play as a full-back, but since it’s such a dominant team, I feel like just another player in the middle and I’m very comfortable.”
Spain kick off their campaign against Wales and then face Germany and Denmark in the group phase.
