Barcelona defensive talent reflects on first-team debut: ‘It was mad, it all happened so fast’

Barcelona defensive talent reflects on first-team debut: ‘It was mad, it all happened so fast’ Barcelona defender Xavi Espart is one of the most closely watched talents emerging from La Masia, and the youngster has now opened up on his first-team experience under Hansi Flick. Having already made his senior debut for Barcelona last season, Espart is viewed as one of the academy prospects with a genuine chance of becoming a regular part of the first-team setup in the coming years.  The versatile youngster, capable of operating both at right-back and in midfield, sat down with AS to discuss his breakthrough campaign, his relationship with Hansi Flick and his ambitions at Barcelona. Espart reflects on Barcelona debut and Flick’s trust For many La Masia players, making a first-team debut for Barcelona is the ultimate dream. For Xavi Espart, that dream became reality in dramatic circumstances. The young Barcelona defender was introduced during a Champions League clash against Newcastle United, a moment he admits arrived far quicker than expected. “It was mad – it all happened so fast. I was warming up and when it was time to come on, I wasn’t expecting it, and suddenly I found myself on the pitch out of the blue. “It was only seven minutes, but they felt like a thousand miles a minute. It was a dream come true for me. “I’ve been at Barça since I was very young, and making my debut like that, in a do-or-die Champions League match, was absolutely incredible. Espart made his debut against Newcastle United. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) “[Anthony] Gordon was out there too, although I didn’t have to mark him (laughs).” The youngster also revealed the message Hansi Flick delivered before sending him onto the pitch. “It all happened so quickly that he barely had time to give me two very clear messages: to believe in myself and to play with confidence.  “Obviously, I’m very grateful for a comparison like that – he’s a brilliant footballer, so it’s a real compliment.” The comparison in question was to former Bayern Munich and Germany legend Philipp Lahm, one of the most intelligent defenders of his generation. Espart discusses best position and role models One of the reasons Espart is so highly regarded at Barcelona is his tactical versatility. The youngster has featured as both a midfielder and a right-back throughout his development, drawing comparisons to players such as Joshua Kimmich because of his ability to operate comfortably in multiple positions. Asked where he feels most comfortable, the Barcelona academy graduate admitted he enjoys both roles equally. “I enjoy both. I’ve taken on both roles. With Spain, I play as a midfielder and at Barça, I play as a full-back, but as it’s such a dominant team, I feel like just another player in midfield and I’m very comfortable there.” The teenager also revealed which Barcelona legends influenced his development. Espart idolised Sergio Busquets while growing up. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “As a Barça player, I’ve been lucky enough to see a team that has always placed great importance on its midfielders, with some real stars. I grew up watching and looking up to [Sergio] Busquets.” When discussing full-backs, he added, “As for full-backs, I really like Sergi Roberto, who also played in both midfield and at full-back.” Can Espart solve Barcelona’s right-back problem? Barcelona’s right-back position has been the subject of constant debate over the past few seasons, which naturally raises questions about whether Espart could eventually become part of the solution. The La Masia graduate already has Flick’s trust and has benefited from training alongside some of the club’s biggest stars, including Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Pedri. Discussing the influence of his fellow academy graduates, Espart said, “It helps a great deal. I know them from La Masia, and it’s not the same walking into the Barça dressing room and not knowing anyone.  “They try to make you feel included so that you have more self-confidence. I’ve relied on them a lot, but overall, the welcome from everyone has been brilliant.” As for whether he can break into the Barcelona first team next season, the youngster remains focused on his own development. “Those are situations I can’t control. We’ll have to wait and see what happens next season. I’m not worried about it at all. “ My aim is to focus on the European Championship,” he concluded.