Media reports revealed today that Luis de la Fuente, the manager of the Spanish national team, is impressed by one of the young players at FC Barcelona, as he plans to bring him into La Roja's ranks in the coming period.
Barcelona's "La Masia" academy has produced many talents in recent years, with Xavi Espart considered among the top of these players.
Espart featured in several matches with Barcelona's first team last season, before the young player exploded onto the scene this season and was officially promoted by a decision from manager Hansi Flick.
Flick relies heavily on Espart's abilities this season, utilizing the player at the left-back position, where he has participated in all three of Barcelona's La Liga matches.
The newspaper "Sport" reported that De la Fuente is closely monitoring Xavi Espart's situation, but the player will be with the Spain Under-21 national team during the next international break at the end of the current month of September.
It added that Espart is expected to be part of the Spain Under-21 national team squad that will play in the Euro tournament from June 12 to July 5 next year, alongside his Barcelona teammate Marc Bernal.
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This tournament is of great importance to Spain, as it is the gateway to qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the top three teams in the Under-21 Euro qualify directly for the Olympics.
The Spanish national team won the gold medal at the recent Paris Olympics, with the participation of several Barcelona players at the time, such as Fermín López, Eric García, and Pau Cubarsí, alongside goalkeeper Juan García.
Sport clarified that Espart's presence represents a major gain for the Spain Under-21 national team. Manager David Jordo's men top their Euro qualifying group with 21 points, from 7 wins, having scored 26 goals and conceded only two, leading Finland by 5 points and Romania by 8 points.
Espart is preparing to play with the Spain Under-21 national team at the end of the current month of September against Finland, then San Marino, and finally Romania on October 6 next.
It added that the manager of Barcelona, Hansi Flick, added a new dimension to Espart this season after the player's brilliance in the Under-19 Euro tournament this summer, which is relying on him as a left-back, as Espart is considered a complete player.
Sport highlighted Espart's participation in all three matches Barcelona has played this season, while the Spanish national team is closely monitoring the player's situation, as he may be called up to the senior national team soon.
It added that it is difficult for Espart to be called up to the Spanish national team now, as De la Fuente currently wants to maintain his squad that won the World Cup two months ago in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Sport concluded by explaining that Flick relied on Espart as a left-back against Rayo Vallecano last Monday in La Liga, and the player also participated in midfield in the second half after João Cancelo came on, where Xavi showed great ability to adapt to Barcelona's playing style.
