La Masia gem emerges as a serious midfield option for Hansi Flick after Frenkie’s injury | OneFootball

Xavi Espart may have reached FC Barcelona’s first-team picture as a right-back, but his future role under Hansi Flick could be far more flexible.

The 19-year-old originally developed as a midfielder before being converted into a full-back, and his performances for Spain Under-19s have reminded everyone just how comfortable he remains in the centre of the pitch.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Espart was one of the standout players as Spain won the recent Under-19 European Championship, operating in midfield alongside Thiago Pitarch and Quim Junyent.

He scored twice during the tournament and was also named in the competition’s best XI, strengthening his case as one of La Masia’s most interesting young prospects.

Flick has another solution for midfield

Espart’s versatility is especially useful for Barcelona because Flick already knows he can trust him at right-back.

The German coach previously compared him to Philipp Lahm, a fitting reference for a player capable of moving naturally between defence and midfield.

With Frenkie de Jong injured, that flexibility could become even more valuable during pre-season. Espart offers Barca an internal solution if Flick needs extra numbers in midfield without entering the market.

His understanding of the position is not improvised. Espart spent his formative years there and only moved to right-back because of circumstances in the academy.

Barcelona must protect his pathway

His strong European Championship has naturally attracted attention from several major clubs, with teams monitoring him both as a midfielder and as a full-back.

Barcelona, however, have never wanted to lose control of his development. Even when a possible move to Racing Santander emerged last winter, the club were reluctant to let him leave permanently.

That stance looks increasingly justified.

Espart may not yet be ready to demand a regular first-team role, but players with his tactical intelligence and versatility are extremely useful across a long season.

For Flick, he represents more than just another academy defender. He could become a genuine midfield alternative, a right-back option and, most importantly, another example of La Masia solving problems from within.