Despite FC Barcelona’s defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (4-2) on Tuesday evening in the Champions League, a Catalan player particularly made an impression: Xavi Espart. At only 19 years old, the right-back delivered an impressive performance at the Parc des Princes, to the point of attracting the attention of Luis de la Fuente. According to information fromA.S.the Spanish coach included the young Barcelona player in his list of players pre-selected for La Roja. A great reward for the one who notably managed to contain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a large part of the meeting, before also showing himself solid against Désiré Doué. But Espart didn’t just defend. In the 55th minute, he scored the equalizer with a powerful strike.
Beyond his goal, the young defender’s statistics testify to his excellent performance. With 56 balls touched, 88% of successful passes, eight passes breaking the opposing lines and five duels won out of eight, Espart displayed impressive maturity against the double reigning European champion. Hansi Flick, who had already given him a few minutes against Newcastle last season, has never hidden his admiration for his young player, whose progress had been hampered by an injury. Author of a convincing start to the season in La Liga, including a goal and two assists, the Catalan is gradually establishing himself as an essential solution at the right-back position. Already called up with the Spanish Espoirs, he could now take a new step with the A selection. Under contract with Barça until 2030 (he has just extended, editor’s note), Espart continues his rise within a particularly promising 2007 generation, alongside Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Marc Bernal.
