When Xavi Espart joined preseason following his success in the under-19 EURO with Spain, the youngster knew his most likely fate after the summer was a move away from Barcelona on loan to play regular minutes elsewhere. But with his stellar showing so far for Hansi Flick’s side, the 19-year-old has made a pretty strong case to stick around.
After two very good performances at right-back against Birmingham City and in the triangular tournament in Italy last week, Espart was given a chance to play his natural midfield position against FC Basel on Sunday. And young Xavi was great again, looking comfortable on the ball, making key line-breaking passes in the final third, and making great reads in space to show up in dangerous positions time and time again.
It was a very impressive display from a youngster who has now shown the versatility to play very well in two different positions, and Flick should be thinking long and hard about whether or not he deserves to stick around and have a real role in the team this season.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Does Xavi Espart deserve to stay at Barcelona after a strong preseason?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!