‘New Philipp Lahm’ Xavi Espart has a blast on his dream debut for Barcelona
· Yahoo Sports
Xavi Espart became the latest Barcelona youngster to make his debut under Hansi Flick, coming on as a substitute in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
Flick has talked up the teenager after losing Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde to injury, showering him with praise by comparing him to Germany legend Philipp Lahm.
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Espart was then given the chance he’d been waiting for at St James’ Park but admitted he was shocked when Flick gave him the nod at the end of the game.
“Flick had called Roony Bardghji over. They scored, and Ronald went down. Flick made us wait, and then suddenly he turned around and shouted, ‘Xavi!'” he said afterwards. “I rushed off to get my things ready so I could go on. I couldn’t believe it. Once I came onto the pitch, I had a blast.”
Espart then took to Instagram with a post to commemorate his “dream debut” for Barcelona.
“Very happy to be able to fulfill this dream, debut with the team of my life on @championsleague and on @fcbarcelona Thank you so much to everyone who has been along this way and always helped me especially to my family and friends thank you for always being there for me. I will continue to work so that more opportunities come, long live Barça always!!!!”
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His team-mates were quick to respond. Marc Bernal wrote simply “Philipp” – in a direct nod to Flick’s words about Lahm, Fermin Lopez posted “Congratulations crack” and Pau Cubarsi spoke about his team-mate in a post-match interview.
“Xavi and I have shared many moments together. He feels comfortable when he goes forward. He made a great defensive play that could have cost us a goal. He was excellent,” he said.
Espart admitted that taking to the pitch alongside players he’s been with for a long time makes life a lot easier.
“Having these teammates helps a lot; they’re my friends. Moving up here isn’t easy, but they give me confidence. I’ve always wanted to play for Barça, and I always will . It’s my goal. Step by step, I’ll give my all,” he explained.
Espart has long been tipped to make the breakthrough at Barcelona and his debut comes after a difficult start to the season which saw him sidelined due to a knee injury.
Fast forward a few months and injuries to Balde and Kounde have presented Espart with an opportunity in the first team and the chance for more minutes on Sunday against Sevilla.