An up-and-coming member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona, namely Xavi Espart, was tested in a new role in the club’s latest outing on Sunday.
And to say that the Spaniard went on to make a positive impression would be something of an understatement…
Hansi Flick’s Barca were back in action a short time ago, making the trip to Switzerland for a friendly meeting with Basel amid ongoing preparations for the new Spanish campaign.
When all was said and done, the Blaugrana made short work of their hosts, to the tune of a 5-2 triumph. On target on the evening were all of Lamine Yamal, youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, and summer signings Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu.
As alluded to above, though, it was another breakthrough member of Flick’s ranks whose name found itself on the lips of many a Barcelona supporter on Sunday.
Xavi Espart, who emerged onto the first-team picture in Catalunya’s capital last season, was afforded a starting berth against Basel. Rather than in his usual position at right-back, though, the 19-year-old was tested in a deep-lying midfield role.
And Espart made use of the opportunity to continue building on his reputation as a potential future star in the making. The Spanish youth international showed off all of his positional awareness, techincal excellence, passing range and vision, amid a fine all-round showing.
Those of a Blaugrana persuasion, in turn, have since been quick to make their excitment with Espart’s potential known online…
Conor Laird – GSFN