La Masia prospect Xavi Espart has become a regular in FC Barcelona's first-team training sessions in recent weeks. The 18-year-old versatile youngster, who can play at right-back and in midfield, was a key part of the Juvenil A setup that won the treble last season. Espart has carried forward that form to the Barça Atletic setup this season, becoming a key player under Juliano Belletti's tutelage.
Barcelona's famed La Masia academy is known to be one of the very best in the world and has churned out dozens of stars such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and now Lamine Yamal. However, a new study has ranked La Masia only in second place when it comes to the best academies in the world, with Benfica finishing top of the pile.
The forward missed Friday's final training session, confirming that he will not feature in the match immediately after the international break. It must be noted that Ferran had returned early from the Spanish national team camp due to an "overload in the hamstring muscles of the left leg, without associated injury." Although the club initially assured that he "is not out and will follow specific treatment," the discomfort has persisted.
I was very inexperienced in both football and life, he tells FourFourTwo when quizzed about his arrival in north London. I feel that the UK made me an adult and a professional, experienced player. Most of my growth happened in London. I was really lucky that the years I spent there, I had great team-mates and coaches, and opportunities to play top-level football. That was probably the most important part of my development as a person and as a player.
