Barcelona returned to coaching right this moment after their 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening which despatched them to the highest of the La Liga standings.
The Blaugrana had some contemporary faces from the youth and reserve ranks referred to as as much as practice with the senior group below the watchful eye of supervisor Hansi Flick.
One such participant, who has been tipped for a shiny future on the membership, was younger midfielder Xavi Espart, as reported by SPORT.
The brand new Eusebio?
Certainly, the 17-year-old versatile midfielder was a part of right this moment’s restoration coaching session with the Barcelona first-team squad.
A La Masia expertise by way of and thru, Xavi has been shuttling between Juvenil A and Barça Atletic this season, even making six appearances for the reserve group.
The teenage prodigy is rated very extremely within the membership, with the report even likening him to legendary former midfielder Eusebio Sacristan.
One of the vital underrated gamers in Johan Cruyff’s iconic dream group, Eusebio performed for Barcelona between 1988 and 1995, successful 4 La Liga titles, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, a Champions League, and a Copa del Rey.
Cruyff famously dubbed him “the diesel engine,” a testomony to his professionalism, adaptability, and humility. Now, a long time later, Xavi Espart, is claimed to be exhibiting putting similarities to the membership legend.
The obvious comparability between Espart and Eusebio is their place. Initially a right-sided central midfielder, the teenager is technically gifted however doesn’t depend on physicality.
Like Eusebio in his day, he’s an clever participant with wonderful positional consciousness and decision-making on the pitch.
The 17-year-old’s tactical understanding makes him invaluable to his coaches, who utilise him in varied roles. Though he’s a pure No. 8, in current seasons he has performed as a No. 10, a full-back on each flanks and at the same time as a defensive midfielder.
Placing the group’s wants first
Espart’s performances stay constantly robust, no matter the place he’s deployed. Past his footballing capability, he’s additionally recognized for his nice angle and work ethic.
Final season, Oscar Lopez tasked Espart with taking part in as a holding midfielder on a number of events, and he responded by controlling the midfield with authority.
Two seasons in the past, coach Ivan Carrasco was the primary to deploy Espart as a full-back, responding to an damage disaster in that place.
Fairly than battle, the teenager embraced the problem, proving to be one in every of La Masia’s standout performers through the latter levels of the 2022-23 season.
Along with his intelligence, adaptability, and dedication, Xavi Espart is rising as a useful asset to Barcelona’s future.