He is a player who is complicated to pin down. And it’s quite rare that a player who is only 19 years old is already so divisive in his country. A true prodigy with silky feet for some, a very aggressive player always on the limit for others, Gavi has crystallized tensions a lot in recent times, particularly on the sidelines of Clasicos where he has often been accused of playing dirty.
At the same time, he also gave the impression of not really finding his place on the pitch under Xavi’s orders. Sometimes used in the center, sometimes on one side, he had to be content with the role of Swiss army knife and windshield wiper, not necessarily being able to display the extent of his talent. He was also a substitute sometimes. Quite the opposite of what he experienced in the selection, where both Luis Enrique and Luis de la Fuente offered him a major role and a position at the heart of the game…
Back in the heart of the game
Sunday evening, he again scored the winning goal for La Roja against Norway, shortly after returning from the locker room. After a series of rejected shots, the Andalusian, well positioned in the area, was able to send the ball into the back of the net. An achievement which offers a ticket for Euro 2024 to its selection, which was not necessarily well on board at the start. And which also confirms the good form of the 19-year-old player, who has performed very well under the Blaugrana tunic in recent weeks, against Mallorca and Sevilla in particular. To Xavi’s greatest happiness.
“Gavi is the heart of the team, he is a fundamental player, many said that this year he would play less, but he is an exemplary footballer”, recently confided the former Barça and La Roja midfielder. It must be said that with the arrival of Félix and the explosion of Yamal, Gavi is no longer necessarily aligned as a right wing player as was often the case last year, and has found a more central position. , where he is more comfortable and where his qualities are better highlighted. With Gavi at this level, well surrounded by players like Pedri who will soon return from injury, Spain and Barça can look to the future with optimism…
