Barcelona youngster on the radar of Spain national team after brilliant start to season | OneFootball

Barcelona have had a flawless start to the new season, with the attack making headlines for showing up with productivity despite lacking a traditional striker.

But the defence has done well too, with Xavi Espart, in particular, emerging as one of the club’s top performers early on in the season.

The youngster has impressed with his technical abilities and link-up play in the final third, which has put him in the spotlight ahead of the international break.

Espart on Spain’s radar

According to SPORT, the Spanish Football Federation has Espart firmly on their radar for both the present and the future following his outstanding start to the campaign, with senior national team manager Luis de la Fuente keeping an eye himself.

Espart has been flawless this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The 19-year-old has played every minute of Barcelona’s opening three league matches, starting on the left flank before shifting into central midfield in the second halves following Joao Cancelo’s introduction.

Thanks to him, there has been a serious competition for places at left-back.

His ability to seamlessly operate in both positions has caught the eye at national level.

Espart is now shaping up to be a key figure for David Gordo’s Under-21 side, with Spain well placed in their qualifying group for the 2027 European Championship.

The team sits top with seven wins from seven, five points clear of Finland, and face three matches in the upcoming international window against Finland, San Marino and Romania.

That tournament also carries added significance as the top three finishers qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where Spain will look to defend the gold they won in Paris.

Espart’s versatility has impressed onlookers

Spain cap could soon be on the cards for Espart. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

What makes Espart so attractive to both Flick and the national setup is his remarkable versatility.

The Catalan shone in midfield during Spain’s Under-19 European Championship triumph earlier this summer, but has since added left-back to his repertoire under Flick.

The Federation are watching his development closely, viewing him as a player who could contribute to both the youth teams and, in the near future, the senior side.

Breaking into Luis de la Fuente’s World Cup-winning squad will be a tough ask, but on this trajectory, Espart is making a compelling case for himself at every level.