La Masia graduate makes his case to Barcelona with impressive Spain U19 displays

La Masia graduate makes his case to Barcelona with impressive Spain U19 displays Barcelona have been focusing on some first-team sales this summer, and one of those on the chopping block is Marc Casado. The former Barça Atletic captain has fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick, and a sale seems the most logical solution for all parties involved. His exit would leave a vacancy in the midfield in the first-team squad, and one of the candidates who can make it his own is Xavi Espart. The La Masia graduate is using the U19 European Championship to remind Barcelona that his future may not be limited to the right-back role . According to Mundo Deportivo , the 19-year-old has been one of Spain’s standout performers in the tournament, helping Paco Gallardo’s side reach the semi-finals after a dominant group stage. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝑿𝑨𝑽𝑰 𝑬𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑻 (@xaviespart) Espart started the first two matches against Wales and Denmark, scoring once in the 7-0 win over Wales, before coming off the bench at half-time in Spain’s 4-0 victory over Germany. In total, he has played 199 minutes so far, and his performances as a pivot have attracted plenty of attention. Barça talent shows midfield roots This is the most interesting part from a Barcelona perspective. Espart has often been used as a right-back at club level, first by Juliano Belletti and later by Hansi Flick. However, with Spain U19, he has returned to the base of midfield, the position where he grew during much of his La Masia development. He has looked comfortable there. His ability to start attacks, choose the right pass and bring personality to the build-up has made him one of the most positive stories of Spain’s campaign. That versatility is valuable. Flick has already seen him as a full-back with midfielder instincts. Now, Spain are showing that those instincts can still function naturally in the centre of the pitch. A useful message for Hansi Flick Espart’s tournament should not be treated as a guaranteed first-team breakthrough, but it is a strong signal. Sending a message. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Barcelona need players who understand different roles, especially in a system where full-backs and midfielders often share spaces. Espart’s ability to play both profiles gives him a real advantage. Spain’s numbers also help his case. Fourteen goals scored and none conceded in the group stage show a team functioning with control, and Espart has been part of that balance. Pre-season will give Espart a glorious chance to impress Flick and nail down his first-team berth for the upcoming season and beyond. The semi-finals will now offer Espart a bigger test. If he continues performing as a pivot, it could strengthen his case even further. The real litmus test will come once the teenager links up with Flick’s first-team squad, and it remains to be seen whether he can impress the German tactician during pre-season and beyond.