Barcelona academy gem likely to get minutes vs Sevilla after debut against Newcastle | Barca Universal

"Get ready to play tomorrow. You're ready, I see you're prepared. You might play or you might not, but you're ready, and if you do play, you know what you have to do. This message from manager Hansi Flick to Espart before the Newcastle match demonstrates the manager's confidence in the young prospect and his belief that the teenager possesses the necessary preparation and understanding to perform at the highest level."

"Xavi Espart became the latest La Masia talent to make his first-team debut for FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick. The 18-year-old right-back came on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League at St James' Park and impressed in the few minutes he was on the pitch."

Xavi Espart, an 18-year-old right-back from Barcelona's La Masia academy, made his first-team debut as a late substitute in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Newcastle United. Manager Hansi Flick rates the prospect highly and provided encouragement before the match. Espart is likely to receive more minutes in the upcoming home fixture against Sevilla, potentially starting at right-back given Jules Kounde's unavailability and Eric Garcia's potential rest ahead of Newcastle's second leg. An earlier injury delayed Espart's debut, but Flick's confidence in the young talent suggests he will receive further opportunities to develop with the first team.

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