Spain's U-19 team will play Wales in their opening match of the U-19 European Championship on Sunday. Espart, currently training with the U-19 Spain squad, spoke with AS.

You've already made your Barcelona first-team debut in a competitive Champions League match. Do you feel pressure playing in the U-19 European Championship now?

Pressure is already something normal for this team. Pressure is actually a good thing—it constantly drives us to raise our standards. The U-19 European Championship is a very important tournament, and I'm fully aware of my role in the team. I'll do everything I can to help us fight for the title.

Let's talk about the U-19 European Championship later. First, let's look back at this past year. How did you feel about your debut against Newcastle?

It was really crazy. Everything happened so fast. I was warming up, and when my moment came, I didn't expect it to happen so soon, but suddenly I was on the pitch. I only played seven minutes, but I was extremely nervous. It was a dream come true for me. I grew up at Barcelona, and the fact that I could debut like this—and in such an important match, a Champions League knockout stage game—was truly unbelievable. At the time, Gordon was on my side, but I wasn't directly marking him (laughs).

What did Flick say to you then? He also said you reminded him of Lahm.

At that moment, everything was happening so fast that we barely had time to communicate. He only gave me two very clear instructions: believe in yourself and play more calmly. Of course, such a comparison is a great honor. Lahm is an incredible player, and this is a compliment to me.

Some people think you have the potential to become the "new Kimmich"—an ideal combination of right-back and midfielder. Which position do you prefer to play?

I like both positions, and I'm comfortable adapting to either role. I play as a midfielder for Spain and as a right-back for Barcelona. However, since Barcelona is a possession-based team, even when I'm playing as a right-back, I feel like I'm participating in the midfield organization, and I'm comfortable in that position.

How did you develop this versatility?

I think it probably started when I was in the U-16 team. Up until then, I'd always played as a midfielder, but at that time, both right-backs got injured, and the coaching staff asked me to try that position. In that system, full-backs often come inside to participate in the central organization, and I felt very comfortable playing there. As time went on and I played more matches, I gradually settled into that position. Later, I was also able to move back to midfield when the team needed it.

Who are your role models in each position?

As a Barcelona player, I place great importance on midfield and feel fortunate to have grown up in a team with many top players. I grew up watching Busquets play and have always followed his performances closely.

Though he might not be the best at playing as a full-back, right?

That's true—that position isn't really his strongest. As a full-back, I really admire Roberto. He also has the characteristics of both midfielder and full-back. Furthermore, I'm currently training with Pedri, and he's truly a special player.

Bellerín was your coach in the youth A team, and he was also a top-class right-back. What kind of advice did he give you to help your development?

He gave me good guidance based on his own experience, especially regarding defense. He always said that the most important thing as a full-back is to defend your side well and make the opponent want to attack from the other side. If the opponent chooses to avoid your side and attack elsewhere, that's the best outcome.

As an academy product who's promoted to the first team, how do you feel seeing teammates like Yamal and Cubarsí?

They're a huge help to me. I've known them since our La Masia days. When you walk into the first-team dressing room and see familiar faces, it makes a huge difference. They helped me blend into the team and gave me confidence. I've learned a lot from them. Of course, everyone has been very kind to me overall.

If they were in the U-19 Spain squad, you'd have an even greater advantage in this U-19 European Championship, wouldn't you?

You can see the quality of players in this generation... but they have different commitments right now, and our team is also very strong. Our goal is clear: to win the U-19 European Championship, and as our performance in the elite round shows, we have the ability to do it.

With the U-19 Spain team, Gallardo uses you as a number 6 and sees you as one of the dressing room leaders. What does he expect from you?

Yes, the coach is clear about what role he expects from me. Of course, if he wants me to play as a full-back, I'll follow his instructions. As for leadership, there are some players with more first-team experience, and that carries weight. But what's more important is that those of us who've been with the national team for longer help new teammates and create a good team atmosphere for the U-19 European Championship. There are quite a few Real Madrid players on the team, but everyone gets along well.

What are your plans after the U-19 European Championship? Does Flick want you to participate in the preseason training camp?

Right now I'm just focused on the U-19 European Championship. If I need to participate in preseason training camp right after, I'm ready. But for now, I'm putting all my energy into the U-19 Spain team, and I'll think about what comes next after that.

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

That's not something I can decide. Let's see what happens next season. There's no point worrying about it. My goal right now is to focus on the U-19 European Championship.

Who is your best partner in this U-19 Spain squad?

Junín. I've known him since we were young. He's a very good midfielder, and we complement each other well. He hasn't made his first-team debut yet, but he has the quality to do so.

AI翻訳。

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