Barcelona’s Xavi Espart Targets Spain Senior Call-Up After Rapid Rise

Espart has described his unexpectedly rapid rise at Barcelona as a chance he believed he was ready to take, even if he did not expect so many first-team minutes at such an early stage of his career. The versatile youngster has also set a longer-term international target: reaching Spain’s senior squad while continuing to contribute to the Under-21 side.

Versatility has opened a route into Barcelona’s plans

The teenager’s value lies in a positional background that began in midfield rather than defence. Espart said he spent most of his academy years as a pivot, before being moved to right-back during his second season with Barcelona’s Cadete B, the Under-16 team.

That switch proved important to his development. He continued to play at full-back as he progressed through the club, while retaining the ability to cover midfield when required. At Barcelona, he has featured on the left of defence and believes he can also operate as an interior midfielder.

Espart said the adjustment was not immediate. Having come to regard himself as a full-back, he initially found it difficult when asked to return to the No. 6 role. With time, however, he adapted to the different demands and adopted a simple principle: playing regularly matters more than being tied to one position.

How Espart’s pathway developed

1. He was developed primarily as a holding midfielder during his early years.
2. Barcelona placed him at right-back in his second Cadete season.
3. He continued as a full-back after moving up through the age groups, while remaining an option in midfield.
4. His capacity to fill roles across the back line and central areas helped him earn significant first-team involvement.

Espart acknowledged that his current role has come sooner than he anticipated. He said he is still very young and did not foresee playing so many minutes for Barça, but felt capable of meeting the challenge when the opportunity arrived.

His family and friends have shared the impact of the breakthrough. As committed Barcelona supporters, they have been astonished by his ascent, and Espart said their happiness over his progress gives him particular pride.

Spain ambition remains a clear target

Espart is currently part of Spain’s Under-21 setup and has spoken positively about both the quality within the group and the relationships away from the pitch. He said representing the national team has always been a source of pride.

The senior Spain side is the next ambition. Espart described a place among the country’s leading players as an extraordinary prospect and a dream he has held since childhood, while stressing his commitment to the Under-21 squad.

Key takeaways

• Espart’s first-team rise has been built on adaptability rather than one fixed position.
• His academy education began as a midfield pivot before a move to full-back at Cadete B level.
• He can cover right-back, left-back, holding midfield and interior midfield roles.
• Barcelona’s early opportunities have exceeded his own expectations, though he felt prepared to respond.
• Spain’s senior team is a stated future objective as he continues with the Under-21s.