At a glance
- Gavi is set for an important role at FC Barcelona as the season hits crunch time.
- Head coach Hansi Flick is impressed with the midfielder since his return.
- The Spain international has a strong chance of becoming a starter again.
Gavi will have an important role at FC Barcelona as the season draws to a conclusion, according to SPORT.
The midfielder hit the sidelines in September, after injuring the same knee he bust his ACL in at 2023’s end.
The 21-year-old returned against Sevilla last month to a standing ovation, and has gradually been earning more minutes.
His most impressive display thus far came in the 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
Partnering Pedri in a more retreated midfield position, he played an important role in Robert Lewandowski’s winner.
Gavi picked the ball up on the edge of the box, and then cooly switched it over to Pedri. His fellow Spaniard spotted Joao Cancelo‘s run, and the Portuguese then dribbled Thiago Alamada twice.
Juan Musso thankfully knocked Cancelo’s shot into Lewandowski’s path, and Barca opened up a seven-point La Liga lead as a consequence.
It was Gavi that started the move, however, with his calm on the ball and technical qualities proving important.
Gavi impressed Flick in the Metropolitano
He only featured for 12 minutes, yet Gavi’s hard work in a pressure cooker environment didn’t go unnoticed by Flick.
Even in that short time, he completed almost a pass a minute (11) with 91% accuracy, and won an aerial duel.
Above all, it’s his mentality and ability that Flick likes most about the number six. He provides the required intensity every time he hits the pitch, and will be rewarded with more playing time in the coming weeks.
Gavi gives Flick more options in midfield
Gavi taking back his starting berth can’t be ruled out either. At present, the CAM slot goes to either Dani Olmo or Fermin, but it’s Gavi that can play any of the three positions in midfield.
With Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal out injured, Gavi would have strong chances of partnering Pedri on Wednesday if better prepared.
Being asked to start a match like the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Atleti is a bridge too far at this stage. But expect to see Gavi come off the bench, and perhaps start Saturday’s derby date with Espanyol.
