'He’s a very intelligent player' - Former La Masia coach Pau Moral backs Barcelona youngster Xavi Espart to handle Real Madrid's Yan Diomande in El Clasico
Former Barcelona coach Pau Moral has expressed confidence in young defender Xavi Espart's ability to handle Real Madrid's Yan Diomande in the upcoming El Clasico. The match is highly anticipated despite several key injuries affecting both squads.
Why it matters
El Clasico is one of the most-watched sporting events globally, and the performance of young academy graduates is a major narrative in modern football.
Former Barcelona youth coach Pau Moral believes breakout defender Xavi Espart possesses the tactical awareness required to keep Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande quiet in Sunday's La Liga clash. The versatile youngster enters the first El Clasico of the campaign in fine form after netting his maiden Champions League goal against PSG in midweek.
Moral has tipped his former academy charge to excel against Los Blancos' teenage attacker at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25. Having impressed at both left-back and right-back this season, Espart is set to retain his starting berth on the right flank while Joao Cancelo covers the opposite side. However, his ex-mentor cautioned supporters not to expect perfection from the developing prospect.
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