Barcelona teenager Xavi Espart has been described as “almost as talented as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi” after making an immediate impact in the first team at the start of the season.
The 19-year-old right-back has started all four of Barcelona’s La Liga matches so far, completing every minute of each game. His performances have included two assists and helped Hans-Dieter Flick’s side record four victories, with Barcelona scoring 17 goals and conceding only two.
Espart’s rapid emergence has made him one of the early talking points around the Catalan club. His inclusion in every league match has underlined the confidence placed in the young Spanish defender, while his contribution in the final third has added to his growing reputation.
The journalist’s assessment places Espart alongside two of Barcelona’s most highly regarded young players, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. The comparison reflects the impression made by the right-back during the opening four fixtures, when Barcelona maintained a perfect record and produced a strong attacking return.
Barcelona’s latest victory came on Sunday, when they defeated Valencia 5-0 away from home. Espart played his part in a result that extended the team’s winning start and maintained the side’s impressive goal difference.
The result also provided another example of the form Barcelona have shown under Flick. Across their four La Liga victories, the club have scored 17 times and allowed only two goals, with Espart on the pitch for the full duration of every match.
His two assists have been an important part of that contribution. Although he operates primarily as a defender, Espart has already demonstrated an ability to influence matches from the right side and support Barcelona’s attacking play.
The teenager will now look to continue that run of appearances as Barcelona turn their attention to Europe. On Wednesday, 9 September, Flick’s team will begin their Champions League campaign at home against Dutch club Feyenoord.
That fixture will give Espart another opportunity to build on his early-season progress. Having featured from start to finish in all four of Barcelona’s La Liga matches, the young defender enters the Champions League with a strong record behind him and significant praise already attached to his name.
Barcelona’s opening run has therefore combined results, goals and the rapid development of a promising player. Espart has contributed directly with two assists, while the team’s four wins and 17-2 aggregate score have provided the clearest context for the attention surrounding his breakthrough.