19-year-old shines in surprise left-back role

Supporters of Barcelona have come together to lavish praise on Blaugrana youngster Xavi Espart after the defender shone during the club's La Liga season opener. Hansi Flick afforded the 19-year-old a surprise inclusion in the starting XI in an unfamiliar left-back berth against Elche.

In what was a much-changed starting XI from Flick, it was good to see players like Xavi Espart given a chance to stake a claim. The teenager certainly did his chances no harm with a solid and effective performance throughout. His tigerishness in the tackle helped Barca to win back possession, leading to Raphinha's penalty, while his positional sense and confidence in his passing game were a real feature.

En route to an eventual 5-0 romp, Xavi looked completely at home on both sides of the ball. All told, he managed seven successful ground duels, won 100% of his aerial duels, completed 85% of his passes and even chipped in with an assist.

Taking to social media in the aftermath of their side's spectacular season opener, Barca's fans were quick to lavish deserved praise on the impressive Xavi, with many urging him to "become a legend" at the club.

There will be tougher tests ahead, of course, but the youngster did everything asked of him on a night when the champions needed players to step up in a changed side.