Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was full of praise for up-and-coming defensive starlet Xavi Espart in the aftermath of his side’s season opener. This comes after the 19-year-old continued to build on his reputation as a potential future star in the making.
Barcelona of course kicked the defence of their La Liga title into gear in style on Sunday evening. After making the trip to Alicante, the Blaugrana put an out-of-sorts Elche side to the sword by five goals to nil.
The aforementioned Xavi for his part featured from the off in the fixture, something of a surprise inclusion in the visitors’ starting XI.
Despite having long cut his teeth at right-back, and having showcased his talents in midfield during pre-season, the Spaniard was tested in yet another role, on this occasion at left-back.
And across the 90 minutes at the Estadio Martínez Valero, Xavi barely put a foot wrong, even chipping in with an assist late on.
Speaking to the media post-match on Sunday, manager Hansi Flick was therefore drawn on the performance produced by his young full-back. And Barca’s headmaster went on to admit:
“Xavi Espart played as a left-back and delivered an outstanding match. He is extremely calm when he has the ball with him.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
