Barcelona’s backline is currently held together by a mix of grit and youth. With Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde sidelined, and Andreas Christensen still facing a long-term recovery, the options are thinning out.
Even Eric García has been struggling with physical discomfort over the last few weeks. This vacuum has forced Hansi Flick to look toward the youth system, where Xavi Espart emerged as the clear standout. After making his debut as a late sub for an injured Ronald Araújo at Saint James’ Park
on March 10, the teenager followed that UEFA Champions League cameo with a start against Sevilla and another appearance in the return leg against Newcastle United.
The rise of the young defender is a natural progression for someone who has lived at the club since 2015. Originally arriving from Vilassar as a young boy, Espart worked through every level of the academy. He captained the reserve side this season after playing a vital role in the Juvenil A treble-winning campaign last year. Reflecting on his sudden promotion, Espart admitted that “when I saw I was going onto the pitch, I couldn’t believe it. I enjoyed it so much and my emotions were soaring.”
He noted that having familiar faces around helped the transition. “Being with these teammates has made it easier for me to adapt and perform,” he added.
Flick is clearly taken by the youngster’s composure. According to Diario SPORT, the German manager is likely to hand Espart another start this Sunday when Rayo Vallecano visits the Spotify Camp Nou.
The boss hasn’t hidden his admiration in the press room.
“You are seeing the same thing I am, he is a player with confidence,” Flick said. “I love the calm with which he plays; it seems like he has a very low heart rate.”
The manager’s faith was a catalyst for the right-back’s form. Espart explained that “for a young person like me, the fact that the boss has trusted me has meant everything. I am very grateful to him. His way of trusting me has allowed me to be calm, without pressure, and play how I know how.”
But he isn’t letting the sudden spotlight distract him from the work ahead. “I have to keep working, training, and be prepared to take advantage of any new opportunity that arrives,” he said.
