Barcelona teenager Xavi Espart earns Spain Under-21 call-up
Barcelona teenager Espart has earned a Spain Under-21 call-up for the next international window, joining Blaugrana team-mate Marc Bernal in the squad for a sequence of European Championship qualifiers against Finland, San Marino and Romania.
Barcelona breakthrough earns international recognition
The 19-year-old has forced his way into Hansi Flick’s first-team plans during the opening part of the season, appearing five times in La Liga. Although naturally able to operate in midfield, he has been used at full-back and has contributed one goal and two assists in the league.
His selection reflects the impact he has made in senior football and gives Spain’s Under-21 staff another option capable of filling more than one role. Espart is contracted at Barcelona through June 2028.
- Age: 19
- Barcelona La Liga appearances: 5
- La Liga output: 1 goal and 2 assists
- Spain Under-21 fixtures: Finland, San Marino and Romania
- Barcelona contract expiry: June 2028
Gordo highlights intelligence and versatility
Gordo has praised the speed of Espart’s rise, particularly the confidence shown by Flick in giving the young player significant responsibility at first-team level.
“I enjoy seeing sides place their trust in him,” Gordo said. “Watching Under-21 players produce at that standard is remarkable. Xavi is a former Under-19 European champion. His greatest strength is how well he reads the match, space and moments. He can perform in any role. He is influential both in central midfield and at full-back, and he is extremely intelligent.”
Gordo also compared the defender’s calmness and anticipation with that of Spain senior international Pedri, saying: “He is invariably a step ahead. In certain respects he brings Pedri to mind because of the way he understands football. It is as if the game runs at another speed for him.”
Opportunity in Euro qualifying
The forthcoming matches offer Espart a competitive route to establish himself within the Under-21 group rather than merely gain experience in a friendly environment. Spain will face Finland, San Marino and Romania during the international period.
For Barcelona, his ability to contribute from the defensive line or in the middle of the pitch has already added useful flexibility to Flick’s squad. A productive spell with the national side would further strengthen Espart’s standing after an encouraging start to his senior career.
