Spain Under-21 boss compares Barcelona breakout Xavi Espart to Pedri

Gordo sees Pedri qualities in Barcelona’s latest breakthrough

Barcelona teenager Xavi Espart has earned recognition from Spain Under-21 coach David Gordo after a strong start to the season for the Catalan club. Espart has been included in Spain’s squad for the next international break alongside fellow Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal.

Espart has been one of Barcelona’s standout emerging players this campaign, impressing at left-back and scoring his first senior goal. His versatility has also drawn attention, with Gordo highlighting the teenager’s ability to influence matches both in midfield and defence.

“His best quality is his excellent understanding of the game, space, and timing,” Gordo told reporters. “And he can do it from any position. He’s decisive as a central midfielder and as a full-back. He’s very intelligent.”

The Spain coach then likened Espart’s reading of the game to that of Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

“He’s always one step ahead. In some ways, he reminds me of Pedri because of his understanding of the game. It seems like time moves differently for him,” Gordo said.

Gordo also praised Barcelona for trusting a young player at senior level and noted Espart’s previous success with Spain’s youth teams, describing him as a former Under-19 champion.

Spain schedule three Euro qualifying matches

Spain Under-21 are set to face Finland, San Marino and Romania in the coming weeks as their European Championship qualifying campaign continues. The fixtures will give Espart an opportunity to build on his rapid rise at club level and make his case on the international stage.