‘He has the quality’ – Xavi Espart backs La Masia midfielder for Barcelona first team breakthrough | OneFootball

Xavi Espart is one of the latest La Masia graduates to have impressed Hansi Flick and earned a place in the first-team setup.

He gave an interview, as quoted by AS, in which he spoke about several things, but one of the most interesting details for Barcelona fans came when he discussed another La Masia talent: Quim Junyent.

The question was simple. Who is his best partner in the Spain Under-19 team? Espart did not hesitate, and his answer was interesting.

He said:

Coming from a player who has already trained with Barcelona’s senior group and made his Champions League debut, that is huge praise for Junyent.

Why Junyent fits the Barca pathway

Junyent is the type of profile Barcelona supporters can easily relate to: a midfielder developed in the club’s football culture, already trusted at youth international level, and praised by a teammate who understands the standards of both La Masia and the first team.

Espart’s words also point to chemistry. When he says they have known each other since childhood and understand each other well, it reflects something Barca have always valued: players who read the game in the same language.

That is often what separates academy talent from first-team-ready talent. Technical quality is essential, but Barca midfielders also need timing, awareness, and the ability to connect play quickly. Espart clearly believes Junyent has that.

Of course, a first-team debut is never guaranteed. Barcelona’s midfield is one of the hardest places in world football to break through, and young players need the right timing, injuries, trust from the coach, and minutes that actually help their growth.

Still, Espart’s endorsement is encouraging. He did not say Junyent deserves a debut because they are friends. He said he has the quality for it.

Junyent has been mentioned in the first-team setup in the past. He is known as a diminutive midfield presence who excels as a number eight.

Hansi Flick is often on the lookout for talents who can come in and make an impact, and it remains to be seen whether Junyent gets his first-team chance in the near future.