"When I see Xavi play, I really like his confidence with the ball; he reminds me of Lahm, who can play as a defensive midfielder or a right-back. I like watching him with and without the ball. [He and Álvaro Cortés] have already trained with us. I'm looking forward to seeing them play."
"Hansi Flick is not the type of person to compare current players to all-time legends so freely, so putting Espart's name in the same category as the legendary Phillip Lahm is certainly something to notice. Espart's name has been circled by people who watch La Masia closely for a while now."
Barcelona faces a defensive injury crisis with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde sidelined, forcing coach Hansi Flick to turn to La Masia academy talent. Eighteen-year-old Xavi Espart has trained with the first team this week and could feature in upcoming matches against Athletic Bilbao and Newcastle. Flick expressed strong praise for Espart's confidence on the ball and positional flexibility, comparing him to legendary German player Philipp Lahm. Espart has been identified as a promising prospect by La Masia observers but missed time earlier in the season due to a knee injury. The injury crisis may provide the breakthrough opportunity this talented young player needs.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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