Two starts, 180 minutes: Barcelona youngster is starting to feel like a new signing for Hansi Flick

Two starts, 180 minutes: Barcelona youngster is starting to feel like a new signing for Hansi Flick Hansi Flick has many decisions to make in Barcelona’s defence, but one of the more intriguing developments of the season is that a 19-year-old academy graduate has made himself one of the manager’s most reliable options. Xavi Espart has started Barcelona’s first two La Liga matches at left-back and completed the full 90 minutes against both Elche and Athletic Club.  That is worth keeping an eye on not because of his age, but because the position is still relatively unfamiliar territory for him. Espart’s route into Flick’s plans has been anything but conventional.  A player originally developed as a central midfielder in the youth system, he has adapted to roles across the pitch during his rise through the Barcelona ranks.  This season alone, he has already been asked to operate on both sides of defence, while pre-season also saw him feature as an inside forward and in a deeper midfield role. Against Athletic, he even finished the match in midfield alongside Rodri. Flick has admired Espart’s versatility Xavi Espart has completed two consecutive games under Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) After Espart made his debut against Newcastle United last season, Flick offered insight into what he sees in Espart’s game, even drawing a comparison with one of the most intelligent and versatile players he worked with. “When I watch Xavi play, I really like his confidence on the ball. He reminds me of Philipp Lahm, as he can play as a ‘6’ or a ‘2’. I like seeing him with and without the ball,” said the manager. Lahm was renowned for his ability to adapt to different positions and contribute equally to possession and defensive phases.  Espart is beginning to show similar adaptability, moving between midfield and defence while appearing comfortable with each new responsibility. Espart is backing up Flick’s trust The club’s youth team product was officially introduced as a first-team player against Athletic Club, wearing Barcelona’s number 12 shirt for the first time. He gave Flick plenty of reasons to continue trusting him. Espart is like a new signing for Barcelona. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) Defensively, the 19-year-old won possession on four occasions and produced several important interventions.  With the ball, he also contributed in the final third, creating a goalscoring opportunity and registering a shot on target. Sure, Flick has other options available across the defensive line, including Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde.  Yet, the Barcelona manager has twice selected Espart and allowed him to complete both matches. Right now, there is no need to rush to conclusions after two matches, particularly with a long season ahead.  But the early signs suggest Espart has begun to feel like a new signing for Flick altogether.