Xavi Espart says he will do all he can to prove to Hansi Flick that he deserves a place in the first team at Barcelona after another impressive pre-season performance.
The 19-year-old shone in Sunday’s 5-2 win over FC Basel in a midfield role and really staked a claim ahead of the start of the new season.
Espart has also played at right-back for Barcelona but says he has no problem switching position.
“I’m comfortable because I’m used to playing in this position. I played centrally in the European Championship, and my teammates next to me make it quite easy. I’m really looking forward to enjoying it. Since returning from the European Championship, I’ve tried to be 100% here and show that I can be here and that my game is good,” he told reporters.
“For now, I’m happy, but football is a day-by-day thing, and I’ll keep giving 100% to stay here. I hope I can play in Elche, but you never know in football. I take it one game at a time and one training session at a time. I prefer to think that way and always give 100%.”
Espart also admitted he’s under no illusion about how difficult it is to stay in the first team at Barcelona due to the competition for places and high standards demanded by Flick and his staff.
“It’s very difficult to get there, but what’s really hard is staying there because of the demands placed on these players. In the end, it’s Barça, the best team in the world, and the demands are every day; you can never let up. It’s every day with enthusiasm and working to the fullest,” he added.
“Those who have returned from the World Cup are very eager, as are those of us who have been here for three or four weeks. Everyone is focused on facing the match and then the league at the weekend with great enthusiasm, because this season we will be at our best.”
It does look like we will see plenty more of Espart in the new campaign.
Flick is obviously a big fan and memorably said last season than the youngster reminds him of Germany legend Philipp Lahm.