Spanish NT coach hails Barcelona youngster ahead of Scotland clash: “Courage and energy” | OneFootball

Barcelona’s Gavi is best described as a player any club in the world would love to have on its side but resent playing against. The youngster may not be the flashiest in terms of skill and finesse, but his alternative skillsets make him a breed rarely found.

The academy graduate is currently playing for the Spanish National Team in the Euro qualifiers and started his team’s first game against Norway. As La Roja progress to a new era, he promises to be one of the faces of the team for at least the next decade.

The new manager of La Roja, Luis de la Fuente, spoke to MARCA about Barcelona’s young midfield talent who has already left his mark on the Spanish National Team as a regular starter. He elaborated on the teenager’s strengths and development.

“He is a fantastic player, in the process of maturing and we have not yet seen the best version of what he will be in the future. In this process, one of his virtues is his courage and energy.”

Since his debut for Barcelona, Gavi has been predominantly known for his tenacity and passion on the field. The manager then spoke on the protege’s growth and the importance of such special players.

“He will acquire knowledge about behaviors that are not beneficial to him or the team. We have talked and he knows how important it is. Give me a Gavi before any other type of footballer. He is contagious to all teammates.”

Despite starting off as an interior midfielder, the La Masia graduate has shifted into a more advanced role in recent games under Xavi as a right-winger. De La Fuente praised Gavi for his versatility and added a point on where he was best placed.

“Gavi is a player with many resources and he is versatile. I think the ideal position for him and where he feels most comfortable is as an interior, but football and circumstances lead you to play other positions.”