Barcelona’s Xavi Espart earns Hansi Flick’s trust with versatile La Liga display

Barcelona teenager Xavi Espart underlined his growing importance by producing an assured performance at left-back in the opening La Liga match against Elche, despite the position not being one of his usual roles.

The 19-year-old created a goal for Fermin Lopez and contributed effectively at both ends of the pitch, reinforcing Hansi Flick’s belief that he can operate across several positions. The Barcelona manager previously compared Espart’s versatility to that of Germany legend Philipp Lahm.

Flick praised Espart in March, explaining that he enjoyed watching the young player because of his confidence in possession. He also highlighted similarities with Lahm, who was capable of playing in midfield as well as at full-back.

Espart’s latest test came after Alejandro Balde was removed from Flick’s plans at the last moment, leaving the teenager to fill in on the left. Rather than looking uncomfortable in an unfamiliar position, he handled the responsibility with composure and offered Barcelona an attacking outlet while remaining reliable defensively.

He completed 85% of his passes and won seven of his 11 ground duels. Espart also succeeded in three aerial challenges, completed one dribble and recorded two tackles, two interceptions, five clearances and six ball recoveries.

Those figures reflected a player able to influence a match without relying on the position in which he is most accustomed to playing. For Flick, that flexibility provides an important tactical solution as he continues to shape his Barcelona team.

During pre-season, the German coach had already used Espart at right-back and in midfield. His decision to select him on the opposite flank against Elche demonstrated the value of having a player comfortable with different tactical demands.

Espart’s adaptability has been developed over several years within the Barcelona academy. He has played as a right-back and as a midfielder during his time there, experiences which have helped him develop a broad understanding of the game.

That background has also improved his ability to recognise space and make effective decisions both with and without the ball. Rather than being defined solely as a full-back, Espart has become a player capable of interpreting the match according to the needs of his team.

Flick appears to value precisely those qualities. The manager sees Espart as someone who can provide solutions in more than one position, rather than as a conventional defender. He previously said Espart “knows what he has to do and is excellent with the ball”.

The teenager also made the most of his pre-season opportunity. After winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain, he chose to continue working and preparing for the new campaign instead of easing off following the tournament.

That commitment was rewarded with a starting place at the beginning of Barcelona’s La Liga campaign. His performance against Elche strengthened his status as one of the club’s leading emerging talents and increased the belief within Barcelona that his value cannot be measured by a single position.

Sports analyst Albert Blaya summed up Espart’s profile in Sport by saying: “Espart is neither a full-back nor a midfielder, he is a footballer.”

For Flick, that all-round quality may prove to be one of the most useful tools available within his squad as the season develops.