Confirmed: Barcelona teenage duo start for Spain U21 against Finland | OneFootball

FC Barcelona teenage duo Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal have been named in the starting XI for the Spain U-21 national team as they take on Finland today.

This marks a major milestone for Espart as it will be his debut for the Spanish U-21 national team.

The 19-year-old versatile star earned a call-up to the squad after a brilliant past few months during which he won the U-19 Euros with Spain and then became a permanent fixture in Barcelona first-team lineup under Hansi Flick.

He will be eager to make a big impression on his debut with the U-21s against Finland.

As for Bernal, this will be his third appearance for Spain at this level, having previously featured in the U-21 Euro qualifiers against Kosovo and Cyprus earlier this year.

The teenage midfielder has had to fight for his minutes at the club level following Rodri’s summer arrival, but remains highly rated within Barça and the Spain setup.

Both the La Masia graduates will hope to help David Gordo’s side secure qualification for the UEFA U-21 European Championships.

Former Barcelona prospect Alex Valle, who currently plays for Como in Italy, also starts.