Barcelona gem slowly showing why Flick was right to compare him with Bayern Munich legend | OneFootball

Xavi Espart is no longer a promising name coming through at Barcelona. Rather, he is becoming a strong option for Hansi Flick to consider.

As such, his latest performance for Spain’s U19 side against Slovenia clarified why Flick was so confident in drawing parallels with Philipp Lahm. 

That comparison initially felt quite overboard, but AS explains just how it is now starting to look like a reality.

What’s the story?

What makes Espart different is his versatility and how naturally he interprets different roles. 

Unlike players who are shifted around to solve short-term problems, Espart reads the game with the awareness of someone who understands multiple positions at once.

His career path explains that. Starting out as a midfielder, he developed a sense of positioning, rhythm, and decision-making that typically takes years to refine. 

Eventually, moving into a fullback role has not limited him, it has expanded his influence.

From wide areas, he defends, he overlaps, he dictates play and also steps inside when needed.

Flick’s faith inEspart is bearing fruit. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Against Slovenia, when deployed back in midfield, that trait of his became even clearer. 

He controlled transitions, anticipated danger early, and imposed structure on the game. 

As per the aforementioned outlt, Barcelona have already begun to benefit from this profile.

Flick has shown clear trust in Espart by using him in high-pressure situations rather than easing him in slowly. 

Minutes against Newcastle United in a tense draw and a start in the commanding win over Sevilla are not random decisions, they show that he can handle responsibility.

The Lahm comparison, therefore, is about recognising a rare footballing profile. 

Players who can operate across lines without disrupting team shape are invaluable, especially in systems that rely on positional intelligence.