The rise of Xavi Espart is undoubtedly one of the best stories of this young Barcelona season as the 19-year-old shined in preseason, earned a first team promotion and played two fantastic games against Elche and Athletic Club as Barça’s starting left-back.
Espart broke into the first team last season as a right-back, but really impressed in his natural midfield position in preseason. Seeing him play so well at left-back is the big surprise, though, and his understanding of the game and passing ability
from every position makes the comparisons to German legend Philipp Lahm made by his own coach Hansi Flick not seem as outlandish anymore.
João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde went into the season expecting to compete for the starting left-back spot, but Espart has made such a strong impression so far that it’s no longer crazy to think the youngster has a real shot to play significant minutes in that position at least for the next few games.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Espart, Cancelo, Balde: Who should be Barcelona’s starting left-back and why?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
