Pabo Gavi – (Image: Instagram)
The La-Masia graduate turns 19 as he looks ahead for the new season as FC Barcelona look to defend their La Liga title.
The 2004-born midfielder Gavi celebrates his 19th birthday. He has already cemented himself as an important player for both Barcelona and the Spanish National team at such a young age.
It was not too long ago when the Spanish wonder kid Gavi made his debut for the Barcelona senior side. He can be considered one of the few positives that came out of the disastrous Koeman era along with the likes of Pedri and Araujo.
The only saving grace for Barcelona during a period of financial stability was the ever-present academy, ‘La Masia.’ The academy produced the likes of Ronaldo Araujo, Alejandro Balde, and Ansu Fati to name a few. But Gavi despite being one of them shares certain qualities that are different from the current crop of academy graduates.
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It is common to see young players take some time to get accustomed to the conditions of playing for the senior side. But Gavi was no pushover, from day one, he did not shy away from showing his personality. A gutsy and determined footballer who did not fear any opposition that has been put against him and that was on display when he faced the likes of Real Madrid in the recent El Clasico or the Nation’s League tournament during International breaks.
His notable performance includes the El Clasico for the Super Copa de Espana held in Saudi Arabia. Gavi starred as he helped his side get the win over their arch-rivals, Real Madrid with a goal and assists to make the scoreline 3-1. He is also now a Spanish Champion having won the La Liga and helping his national side Spain win the Nations League.
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Gavi also won the Kopa trophy in 2022, an award by France football given to the best-performing player under the age of 21. He was competing with the likes of Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
FC Barcelona will hope that Gavi will shine even brighter with the immense amount of talent and potential he has to become the successor to the Xavi-Iniesta duo with the Pedri alongside him. The future of both Barcelona and Gavi looks to be a good one as the 19-year-old will look ahead in his career with a lot more to win as a player and for the club as well.