Barcelona delighted with La Masia prodigy’s standout performances at U19 Euros | OneFootball

The ongoing UEFA Under-19 European Championship has once again proven to be the perfect showcase for some of Europe’s brightest young talents.

It offers emerging players the opportunity to compete against the best footballers of their generation while performing under the spotlight in a high-level international tournament.

A year ago, Jan Virgili, then still at FC Barcelona, produced a standout tournament before joining the club’s first-team preseason preparations.

This summer, it is another La Masia gem, Xavi Espart, who is making a similarly strong impression.

Barcelona happy with Espart

According to SPORT, within Barcelona, there is a lot of satisfaction with how the youngster has taken advantage of the tournament.

Espart is impressing at the U19 Euros. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Blaugrana continue to monitor his development closely ahead of the start of pre-season and are pleased with what they are seeing from the 19-year-old versatile star.

Espart entered the tournament with great attention surrounding him after having made his first-team debut for Barcelona under Hansi Flick in the recent season.

The teenager opened the competition by scoring against Wales, and he has backed up that performance with two more impressive displays, reinforcing the belief that his development is progressing rapidly.

Versatility shines through

One of the most interesting aspects of his tournament has been his position on the field. Although Espart normally plays as a right-back for Barcelona, Spain U19 coach Paco Gallardo has deployed him as a defensive midfielder.

Shining as a midfielder. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The role has highlighted one of the player’s greatest strengths: his versatility. Whether playing on the flank, where he is capable of moving both inside and outside, or operating centrally in midfield, Espart has consistently delivered performances of the highest level.

Pre-season with first team

Should Spain reach the final, Espart would remain in the tournament until Saturday, 11 July.

Barcelona’s pre-season begins just two days later, on 13 July, meaning the club will soon have to decide whether to grant him a short holiday after the tournament or bring him directly into Flick’s first-team preparations.

Based on his performances so far, the young defender has certainly strengthened his case for having a greater role in the Barcelona senior setup next season.