Xavi Espart of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and FC Barcelona at Ciutat de Valencia stadium in Valencia, Spain, on September 13, 2026. (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
Spain Under-21 boss David Gordo has been full of praise for Xavi Espart after calling the Barcelona star into his squad for the next international break.
Espart’s emergence has been one of the highlights of the season so far for Barcelona, with the youngster impressing at left-back for Hansi Flick’s side and scoring his first senior goal.
Gordo says he’s been really impressed by Espart and has also compared him to one of his Barcelona team-mates.
“I like seeing teams betting on him. Of course, I’m amazed when I see Under-21 players performing at that level. Xavi is a former Under-19 champion,” he told reporters.
“His best quality is his excellent understanding of the game, space, and timing. And he can do it from any position. He’s decisive as a central midfielder and as a full-back. He’s very intelligent.
“He’s always one step ahead. In some ways, he reminds me of Pedri because of his understanding of the game. It seems like time moves differently for him.”
Spain’s Under-21s are due to play Finland, San Marino and Romania over the next few weeks in Euro qualifying.