‘Exceptional’ Xavi Espart tipped to stay in Barcelona first team by ex-La Masia chief

Xavi Espart has been making waves at Barcelona this season after starring for Hansi Flick's side in the first three games of the new La Liga campaign.

The 19-year-old has already played his way into the first-team squad for the 2026-27 season and been handed the No. 12 shirt. He's also now being tipped to stay in the starting XI.

Former La Masia director Jordi Roura says that Espart is still learning the full-back position but will simply get even better as he continues his development.

"He'll be able to do it. At his age, the room for improvement is enormous," says Jordi Roura. "He has the level to establish himself in the first team and have consistent playing time," he told AS.

"He's much stronger than he looks. He has a very powerful lower body and is holding his own well during sprints, anticipating plays well."

Roura also spoke about when he first brought Espart to the club

"When I signed him, we were always struck by how well he played football," he added. "He's been characterized as a very technical player, who reads and understands the game very well."

Espart shone yet again last time out against Rayo. Roura hailed his performance as "exceptional" and said the youngster "gave a real masterclass."

The teenager will now be hoping to get the nod again on Sunday against Valencia in La Liga.