Spain's U19 national team will play its first match of the U19 European Championship this week against Wales. Esparto, who is currently training with Spain's U19 squad, was interviewed by AS.

You've already made your Barcelona first-team debut in an intense Champions League match. Now you're competing in the U19 European Championship. Do you feel under pressure?

Pressure has become normal for this team. Pressure is actually a good thing; it pushes us to constantly raise our standards. The U19 European Championship is a very important competition, and I'm very clear about my role in the team. I will do my best to help the team fight for the title.

We'll discuss the U19 European Championship later. Let's review your experience last year first. How do you view your debut against Newcastle?

It was truly crazy; everything happened so fast. I was warming up, and when it was my turn to play, I didn't expect to come on so quickly, but suddenly I was on the pitch. Even though I only played for 7 minutes, I was in a state of high tension. It was a dream for me. I grew up at Barcelona, and making my debut that way, in such an important match like a Champions League knockout game, was truly incredible. Gordon was on my side at the time, but I wasn't marking him too directly (laughs).

What did Flick tell you at that moment? He also said you reminded him of Lahm.

Everything happened so quickly at that moment; there was barely time for much communication. He just gave me two very clear instructions: to believe in myself and to play more calmly. Of course, I'm very grateful for that comparison. Lahm was a truly great player, and that was affirming for me.

Some also believe you have the potential to be the "new Kimmich," an ideal combination of right-back and midfielder. Which position do you prefer to play?

I enjoy both positions, and I've adapted well to both roles. I play midfielder for Spain and right-back for Barcelona. However, Barcelona is a team that emphasizes ball possession, so even when playing as a right-back, I feel involved in midfield organization, and I'm comfortable in that position.

How did this flexibility develop?

It probably started when I was in the U16 age group. I always played as a midfielder, but back then, both right-backs were injured, and the coaching staff wanted me to try that position. In that system, the right-back often moves infield to participate in central organization, and I felt very comfortable playing there. As time went on, I gradually stayed in that position. After that, whenever the team needed it, I could also move back to midfield.

Who are your role models in each of these two positions?

As a Barcelona player, I'm very fortunate to have grown up at a club that highly values midfielders, and there are many top players here. I grew up watching Busquets play and always followed his performances.

However, he might not be particularly comfortable playing as a right-back.

That position really doesn't suit his style of play. For the right-back position, I really admire Sergi Roberto; he also has qualities as both a midfielder and right-back. Plus, I'm currently training with Pedri, and he's a truly special player.

Belletti is your coach in the U16 age group, and he was also a top right-back. What advice has he given you to help you develop?

He often gives me guidance based on his own experience, especially in defense. He always tells me that as a right-back, the most important thing is to defend your flank well and make opponents more likely to attack from the other side. If the opponent chooses to avoid your flank, that's the best outcome.

As a young academy player promoted to the first team, how do you feel seeing teammates like Yamal and Cubarsí?

It's very helpful for me. I already knew them from La Masia. Walking into the first-team dressing room feels truly different when you have familiar faces. They help you integrate into the team and make you feel more confident. I've learned a lot from them. Of course, everyone has been very welcoming to me overall.

If Spain's U19 team had them, you'd have an even bigger advantage in this U19 European Championship.

You can see it from the quality of this generation of players... However, they have other commitments now, and our team is also excellent. Our goal is clear: to win the U19 European Championship, and we have the ability to do it, which has been proven by our performance in the elite round.

At Spain U19, Gallardo wants you to play as the number 6 and also sees you as one of the dressing room leaders. What does he expect from you?

Yes, the head coach is very clear about the role he wants me to take. Of course, if I have to play as a right-back, I'll follow his setup. Regarding leadership, it's true that some players have more experience in the first team, which has a certain impact. But more importantly, those of us who have been with the national team longer need to help new teammates and create a good team atmosphere for the U19 European Championship. There are many Real Madrid players in the squad, but everyone gets along well.

What are your plans after the U19 European Championship? Does Flick want you to participate in preseason training?

Right now, I'm only focused on the U19 European Championship. If I have to join preseason training right after, I'll be ready. But now, all my energy is directed at Spain U19; I'll see what happens next.

Right-back is currently one of the relatively weak positions at Barcelona. Do you think you'll have a chance to get playing time and help the team next season?

That's not something I can decide. We'll see what happens next season. I won't worry about it; my goal right now is to focus on the U19 European Championship.

Who is your best teammate on this Spain U19 squad?

Junyent—I've known him since I was very young. He's a very good player who plays in midfield, and we have great chemistry. He hasn't made his first-team debut yet, but he has the ability to do it.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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