Barcelona midfielder’s intensity continues to hold him back at times – Report | OneFootball

At a club like FC Barcelona, it is crucial for each and every player to show passion and determination. After all, to succeed at such a prestigious club, it requires a special breed of player to make it out alive. Fortunately for Barcelona, their players seem to be ready for that.

However, even from among all the committed players and leaders within this team, there are some that stand out. Gavi, at just 20 years of age, is undoubtedly one of the leaders and most vocal players within this young Barcelona side.

Known for his intensity and passion, sometimes the player does end up crossing lines as well. From aggressive challenges to protests against certain official decisions during games, Gavi has a tendency to do more than he should and it can cost him at times, despite Hansi Flick’s frustration with unnecessary bookings this season.

As highlighted by MARCA, this intensity is something that the player needs to control better. Even against Sevilla in Barça’s most recent game in La Liga, it was primarily due to the player’s yellow card in the first half that resulted in Hansi Flick substituting him before the start of the second half.

After the game, the player even explained how it was a mixture of discomfort and the early booking that resulted in him having to come off to avoid putting the team in a disadvantageous position if he were to get sent off at any point:

“I had some discomfort, but I also had a yellow card, and the game wasn’t the right moment for any risky moves. I spoke with the coach, and we agreed it was best for me to come off because I didn’t want to make any reckless tackles. You know how referees are with me, and that’s why I was substituted.”

So far this season, the youngster has accumulated five yellow cards since returning from injury in October 2024. His first booking came against Real Madrid, even though he only played five minutes in that match. Since then, he has also received two back-to-back yellow cards in La Liga.

First came a booking against Deportivo Alaves, shortly after which the player went down with a concussion and had to be replaced. Then, most recently, he received a booking against Sevilla as well. The other two yellow cards came in the game against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey and against SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.

Even before Hansi Flick came along, former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez once defended the young midfielder and his intensity back in January of 2023:

“What’s being said is nonsense. He brings passion and determination… The referee decides. I think he’s a player who gets fouled a lot but rarely gets called for it.”

Ultimately, even with his intensity and the occasional bookings, Barcelona maintain complete faith in the young midfielder’s potential and ability. After all, the club has already renewed his contract for the years to come and there is no better way to show their faith in the player.