Barcelona Could Hand Teen Sensation Xavi Espart First Start Against Sevilla
FC Barcelona could unveil another young gem this weekend as 18-year-old defender Xavi Espart is reportedly in contention to make his first start for the senior team against Sevilla FC in Saturday’s La Liga clash.
The Catalan giants head into the fixture aiming to return to winning form after a tense midweek draw against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg. With the decisive second leg approaching next week, manager Hansi Flick is expected to rotate parts of his squad to keep key players fresh.
One of the most intriguing changes could come at right-back, where young La Masia graduate Espart is emerging as a strong candidate to start.
Injury Situation Opens the Door
Barcelona’s defensive options have been limited recently. Regular right-back Jules Koundé is still sidelined due to a hamstring problem, leaving Flick with fewer reliable options in that position.
Meanwhile, defender Eric GarcÃa has been dealing with physical overload concerns and missed the midweek match in England. With the Champions League tie still hanging in the balance, the coaching staff may be reluctant to risk him too soon.
Veteran full-back João Cancelo is another player whose minutes may need to be carefully managed as the team navigates a demanding schedule. These circumstances have opened the door for Espart to potentially step into the spotlight.
Positive Debut in England
Espart recently made his senior debut for Barcelona during the Champions League encounter against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Although his appearance lasted only a few minutes late in the match, the teenager managed to leave a solid impression.
Despite the intense atmosphere and pressure of a major European game, the young defender looked composed and confident on the ball. His brief cameo suggested he may already possess the mentality required to perform at the highest level.
Rising Talent from La Masia
The 18-year-old is one of the promising prospects produced by Barcelona’s famous youth academy, La Masia. Known for developing world-class players over the decades, the academy continues to produce technically gifted footballers who understand the club’s philosophy.
Espart is primarily a right-back but is also known for his attacking instincts and ability to contribute in the final third. During this season’s UEFA Youth League campaign with Barcelona’s Juvenil A side, he has already scored twice.
He has also contributed directly to goals for Barça Atlètic, registering both a goal and an assist. These performances have helped him catch the attention of Flick and his coaching staff.
Flick’s Trust in Young Players
Since taking charge at Barcelona, Flick has shown a clear willingness to promote young talent when they prove themselves ready. The German coach has repeatedly demonstrated that age is not a barrier if a player can meet the tactical and technical demands of the team.
With the club juggling domestic and European competitions, the opportunity may now be perfectly timed for Espart to take the next step in his development.
If he does start against Sevilla, it would represent a major milestone in the young defender’s career—and possibly the beginning of another exciting chapter for Barcelona’s next generation of stars.