Barcelona youngster beats the record of Philipp Lahm after scoring against Levante

Barcelona youngster beats the record of Philipp Lahm after scoring against Levante Barcelona appear to be cruising their way to a fifth consecutive win in La Liga, having secured a 2-0 lead at half-time against Levante. The Catalans opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the match, with Xavi Espart, starting ahead of Joao Cancelo at left-back, finding the back of the net. About 14 minutes later, Lamine Yamal doubled Barcelona’s lead with a clinical finish after Raphinha capitalised on a failed clearance by one of the Levante defenders. Espart beats Lahm’s record Espart continues to impress Hansi Flick and Barcelona fans. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) As reported by Mundo Deportivo , Espart’s goal against Levante saw him reach a milestone quicker than the man he is so often compared to, Philipp Lahm. The 19-year-old took just 11 official matches to score his first goal for Barcelona’s first team. By contrast, Lahm did not find the net until his 26th appearance for Bayern Munich, underlining the speed of Espart’s rise. The goal itself was a fine team move. Espart played the ball up to Rodri, who fed it forward through Raphinha and Fermin Lopez before it returned to the Brazilian, who teed up the youngster to finish gently with his right foot into the base of the post. An emotional Espart could not contain his joy, celebrating the goal by kissing the Barcelona badge. A star in the making Espart celebrated by kissing the Barcelona badge after scoring against Levante. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Espart’s goal was another statement in what has been a remarkable start to the season for the teenager. It was his fifth start in five league matches, with the left-back, converted into something of a fifth midfielder, increasingly establishing himself ahead of both Cancelo and the yet-to-feature Alejandro Balde. Flick has been Espart’s biggest advocate, even drawing the comparison with Bayern and Germany legend Lahm, and the youngster continues to justify that faith with every appearance. His versatility, composure and now an eye for goal make him one of the most exciting products of La Masia.