Hansi Flick finds a new Barcelona defensive anchor in Xavi Espart
The 18-year-old La Masia product has rapidly climbed the ranks to become a reliable option
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Xavi Espart of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona’s backline is currently held together by a mix of grit and youth. With Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde sidelined, and Andreas Christensen still facing a long-term recovery, the options are thinning out.
Even Eric García has been struggling with physical discomfort over the last few weeks. This vacuum has forced Hansi Flick to look toward the youth system, where Xavi Espart emerged as the clear standout . After making his debut as a late sub for an injured Ronald Araújo at Saint James’ Park on March 10, the teenager followed that UEFA Champions League cameo with a start against Sevilla and another appearance in the return leg against Newcastle United.
The rise of the young defender is a natural progression for someone who has lived at the club since 2015. Originally arriving from Vilassar as a young boy, Espart worked through every level of the academy. He captained the reserve side this season after playing a vital role in the Juvenil A treble-winning campaign last year.
Reflecting on his sudden promotion, Espart admitted that “when I saw I was going onto the pitch, I couldn’t believe it. I enjoyed it so much and my emotions were soaring. ” He noted that having familiar faces around helped the transition.