Seven Barcelona youth gems who caught Hansi Flick’s eye during U-19 fixture – report

Ever since he arrived at FC Barcelona, manager Hansi Flick has made it a point to keep a close eye on the up-and-coming youngsters within the club’s academy.

Indeed, the German tactician has been closely following the Barça Atletic and the Juvenil A (U-19) squads to unearth exciting youth prospects who can be the next big star for the first team.

To that end, this past weekend, Flick was in attendance for Barcelona U-19 side’s fixture against Badalona, which the Blaugrana prospects won 2-1 after a hard-fought battle.

Flick was keeping a close watch on the proceedings and Mundo Deportivo now highlights the seven youth prospects who have caught the first-team manager’s eyes with their performances.

Xavi Espart

The 17-year-old Xavi Espart donned the captain’s armband for Barcelona’s Juvenil A side against Badalona and operated at right-back even though he has largely played as a pivot in his youth career.

Espart, as such, could be a player of a similar profile to Marc Casado, who has earned Flick’s trust this season. The teenage La Masia ace also had minutes with Barça Atletic against Andorra a week back and has been called up to train with the first team already once by Flick.

Nico Marcipar

The 16-year-old Argentine starlet is regarded as one of the most talented young centre-backs in La Masia.

A left-footed player with good ability on the ball, Marcipar has already made the leap to Juvenil A despite his age and is considered an exciting prospect with a bright future at the club.

Alex Walton

Alex Walton (R) scored the winner for Barça U19 vs Badalona (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona)

Signed from EF Gava in the winter transfer window earlier this year, Alex Walton was the match-winner for Barcelona U-19 against Badalona this weekend, scoring the winning goal in the 85th minute.

A left-back by trade, the teenager is technically sound, reliable in defence and backs it up with attacking intent.

Brian…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/seven-barcelona-youth-gems-who-caught-hansi-flicks-eye-during-u-19-fixture-report/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2024-09-10 12:18:49

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