La Masia knack for producing talent continues with Hansi Flick all too willing to give youth an opportunity in the FC Barcelona first team. A generation from the year 2007 is emerging within the Barça ranks, and one that is filled with quality. 

First to appear was none other than Lamine Yamal, who made his debut under Xavi Hernández back in the 2022/23 season. The following campaign he cemented his place in the squad as another young talent come to the fore - Pau Cubarsí making his debut at 17 years of age in a UEFA Champions League match. The arrival of Hansi Flick as coach saw a debut also for Marc Bernal in midfield that was almost immediately followed by a serious knee injury which kept him out of action for more than a year. 

Now recovered, Bernal is back to his best and a vital part of the first team squad. 

The latest recruit from 2007 is Catalan defender Xavi Espart. The versatile youngster made his first team debut last season against Newcastle United at St. James' Park in the Champions League. This season, after impressing in preseason, he has become an official member of the first team squad along side his fellow graduates Cubarsí, Lamine and Bernal. 

Xavi Espart, a versatile choice 

Espart played at right back under Hansi Flick last season but the Vilassar de Mar born player has shown his versatility so far in the current campaign, fitting into the midfield in the Gamper game against Al Ahly and playing at left back in La Liga against Elche and Athletic Club. 

Band of brothers

Lamine, Bernal, Cubarsí and Espart have all grown up together at La Masia, playing in the U14 teams in 2019/20 and 2020/21 under coach Arnau Blanco who is a now member of Hansi Flick's coaching staff. 

The four players helped the U14A to the league title with Cubarsí leading the defence, Bernal the midfield, Xavi Espart filling in wherever he was needed and Lamine providing the goals. In 2025/26 the quarter claimed their first trophy together for the first with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou allowing Hansi Flick's team to retain their La Liga title. 

 

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