Barcelona have always had unique profiles emerge through La Masia, and one of the recent ones to belong to that list is Xavi Espart.
The young Spaniard broke into Flick’s first-team plans late in the 2025-26 season and went on to make his debut in the Champions League round-of-16 game against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Ahead of his debut, Flick compared the young Spaniard to the legendary Philipp Lahm in terms of profile, and those were massive words for a teenager yet to make his professional debut.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi Espart is set to be one of the key names for Spain at the U19 European Championship, and for Barcelona fans, his role will be especially interesting.
The Barça youngster is expected to lead the midfield for Paco Gallardo’s side, despite Hansi Flick seeing him at club level as a right-back with the intelligence of a midfielder.
Flick saw a rare profile
Xavi Espart, Barcelona player
Flick has compared Espart to Philipp Lahm. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
At Barcelona, Flick saw a right-back who could interpret play like an orchestrator. Espart offered the German coach plenty of tactical flexibility with his profile.
Barça need players who can step inside, control rhythm, protect transitions and help the team build from the first phase. Espart has that midfield instinct but can play at right-back.
With Spain U19, however, he is going back to his original position in midfield. It is the role he grew into during his formation at La Masia, and the role that best shows his ability to dictate play.
He will be expected to act as a leader, the axis of the team and one of the players responsible for giving Spain control.
A La Masia test
Espart belongs to an outstanding 2007 generation that included Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal and Quim Junyent.
Xavi Espart of FC Barcelona
A special talent. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
While Lamine and Cubarsi are already on the World Cup stage, Espart now has his own chance to stand out at youth level.
For the youngster, this tournament is a valuable test. Espart can show whether his intelligence and control translate into leadership when the responsibility is on him.
Espart may not have the first-team spotlight yet, but players like him matter. They are the ones who keep La Masia’s football identity alive: smart, adaptable, calm on the ball and brave enough to take responsibility.
In all likelihood, the teenager will have an important role to play under Flick next season for the first team, and a good showing in this tournament will go a long way towards making a case for him ahead of pre-season.