When Barcelona won trophies left, right and centre during the period from 2005-2015, the team had several stars who can easily be considered some of the best players to kick a football. There was Lionel Messi; there was the defensive duo of Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique. However, the heartbeat of the team were Andres Iniesta and Xavi. The midfield duo amazed the opposition with their impeccable passing, and it was not surprising to see the team struggle after their departure. However, in their moments of despair, the famed La Masia academy came to the club’s rescue by providing them with a perfect replacement for Xavi in Pablo Martín Paez Gavira, famously known as Gavi.
The 18-year-old is quite similar to Xavi’s name and playing style. And it is safe to say that he is far more talented than Xavi was at his age. At such a young age, Gavi has broken many records, becoming the fourth-youngest player to play for Barcelona and the third-youngest Barcelona goal scorer.
In addition, he is also the youngest player to make his debut for Spain and also the youngest goals scorer in their entire history. And at a time when Barcelona have had to activate multiple ‘economic levers‘ to buy players, the rise of Gavi provides the club with a world-class talent that would’ve cost them a fortune on the transfer market.
Gavi career stats
Gavi started his career at the age of eight when he joined the youth academy of La Liara. However, after only three years, he left the club, joining La Masia, where he has blossomed into probably the best young player.
Even at a young age, Gavi gave the impression that he was mature beyond his years. And soon, he was promoted to Barcelona B, a team Messi, Iniesta and Xavi played before making the move to the first team.
In the 2020-21 season, he made two appearances for the B side before Ronald Koeman deemed him to be ready for the first time. Gavi made his debut on August 29, 2021, against Getafe. His next appearance would come on September 20, where he would also score his first goal, making him the youngest scorer after Ansu Fati and Bojan Krkic.
He would make 34 appearances in the 2021-22 season in La Liga and was one of the few positives for the Blaugrana, where they finished 13 points behind Real Madrid. However, it has been the current season where Gavi has been the midfield enforcer, helping them establish an eight-point lead in La Liga.
According to Smarterscout, Gavi is among the best players across the…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at FootTheBall…