Spain's U19 team will play their first match at the UEFA U19 European Championship on Sunday against Wales. Espart, who is currently training with Spain's U19 squad, was interviewed by AS.

You made your Barcelona first-team debut in an intense Champions League match. Now, competing in the UEFA U19 European Championship, do you feel pressure?

Pressure is normal for this club. Pressure is actually something good; it pushes us to constantly raise our standards. The UEFA U19 European Championship is a very important tournament, and I'm aware of my role in the team and will do everything I can to help the team fight for the title.

Before talking about the UEFA U19 European Championship, let's look back on your experiences over the past year. How do you assess your debut against Newcastle?

It was crazy; everything happened so fast. I was warming up on the bench, and when it came time to enter the pitch, I didn't expect to be brought on so quickly, but suddenly I was on the field. Although I only played 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 like that, in an important match like a Champions League knockout tie, was truly unbelievable. Gordon was on my side at the time, but I wasn't really directly marking him (laughs).

What did Flick say to you at that moment? He also said that you remind him of Lahm.

Everything happened so fast back then, there was barely time to talk much. He just gave me two very clear instructions: believe in yourself and play more calmly. Of course, I'm very grateful for such comparisons. Lahm is a great player, and this is a form of validation for me.

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

I enjoy both positions and have adapted to both roles. I play midfielder for Spain and right-back for Barcelona. However, Barcelona is a team that places great emphasis on ball control, so even when playing right-back, I feel involved in organizing play through the middle, and I'm very comfortable in that position.

How did this ability to play multiple positions develop?

It probably started when I was in the U16 academy team. I always played midfielder, but at that time, both right-backs were injured, and the coaching staff wanted me to try that position. In that system, fullbacks often tuck inside to help organize play in midfield, and I felt very comfortable playing there. Later, as matches progressed, I gradually settled into that position. And then, when the team needed it, I could also move back to midfielder.

Who are your role models in these two positions?

As a Barcelona player, I'm very fortunate to have grown up at a club that places great emphasis on midfield, with many top players there. I grew up watching Busquets play and have always followed his performances.

But he probably wouldn't be very comfortable playing as a fullback.

His position is really not suited for playing passively as a fullback. As for the fullback position, I really admire Roberto; he also possesses qualities of both midfielder and fullback. Moreover, I now train with Pedri, and he is truly a very special player.

Belletti was your coach in the U16 academy, and he was also a top right-back. What advice did he give you to help you progress?

He often gives me advice based on his own experience, especially in defense. He always tells me that, as a fullback, the most important thing is to defend well on your wing, so the opposition tends to attack from the other side. If the opposition chooses to avoid your side, that's the best outcome.

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

It helps me a lot. I've known them since La Masia. When you step into the first-team dressing room, it's completely different if you have familiar faces. They help you integrate into the team and give you more confidence. I've learned a lot from them. Of course, in general, everyone has been very friendly with me.

If Spain's U19 team had them, you would have an even greater advantage at this UEFA U19 European Championship.

You can see that from the strength of this generation of players. However, they have other commitments now, and our squad is also very strong. Our goal is clear: win the U19 European Championship, and we have the ability to do that, as we've demonstrated in the qualifying round.

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

Yes, the coach is very clear about the role he wants me to play. Of course, if I'm asked to play as a fullback, I will follow his tactical instructions. Regarding the leadership role, there are indeed some players with more experience in the first team, which will have some influence. But more importantly, those of us who have been with the national team for longer need to help the new teammates and create a good team atmosphere for the UEFA U19 European Championship. There are quite a few Real Madrid players in the squad, but everyone gets along well.

What are your plans after the UEFA U19 European Championship? Does Flick want you to participate in pre-season training?

Right now, I'm only focused on the UEFA U19 European Championship. If I need to participate directly in pre-season training after that, I'll be ready. But for now, all my energy is dedicated to Spain's U19 team, and I'll see what happens afterward.

Right-back is currently one of Barcelona's relatively weaker positions. Do you think you'll have an opportunity to play and help the team next season?

These aren't things I can decide. What will happen next season, we'll see. I won't worry about that; my goal now is to focus on the UEFA U19 European Championship.

In this Spain U19 squad, who is your best partnership on the pitch?

Juniort—I've known him since we were very young. He's an excellent player, plays as a midfielder, and we have great chemistry. He hasn't made his first-team debut yet, but he has the potential to do so.

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