Barcelona were back in training on Tuesday after Monday’s win over Rayo Vallecano and there were a few unfamiliar faces on show.
Alvaro Cortes and Sergi Domínguez were both part of the session along with 17-year-old prospect Xavi Espart.
The youngster is a versatile player who can play in midfield or a full-back and has already played six times this season for Barcelona Atletic.
Talent of the Week
Name: Xavi Espart
Team: Cadet A (U16)
Age: 16 (21/05/2007)
Country:
Strong Foot: Right
Position: CM, RB, CDM
Market Value: €-
Contract Until: 30 June, 2026
Similar Profile Player: Mix of Sergi Roberto & Joshua Kimmich
Potential Rating: 7.5/10 pic.twitter.com/7Hh3tP5QvA
— ArsenKveFCB (@ArsenKveFCB) June 30, 2023
The teenager has clearly done enough to catch Hansi Flick’s eye and has now been rewarded with a chance to train with the senior squad.
Flick has long made his huge admiration for the club’s famous La Masia academy clear and he’s certainly keeping tabs on the most promising talents at Barca.
Xavi Espart vs Bayern U19
99 Touches
59/71 Accurate Passes
83% Pass Accuracy
1 Key Pass
6 Accurate Long Balls
2 Successful Dribbles
7/10 Ground Duels Won
2 Times was Fouled
3 Clearances
1 Blocked Shot
3 Interceptions
3 Tackles
0 Times Dribbled Past pic.twitter.com/8IOfxPwub7
— ArsenKveFCB (@ArsenKveFCB) October 23, 2024
Quim Junyent, Diego Kochen, Dani Rodriguez and Toni Fernandez have also trained with the first team in recent weeks as the Barcelona boss keeps a close eye on the development of the next batch of exciting young stars.