Barcelona has started the season with certainties and surprises. Among the latter, Gavi has become a protagonist. The young midfielder, who suffered a serious knee injury last season, is showing that he's coming back stronger than ever.
His physical condition, intensity, and determination have brought him back a prominence that many thought was lost. More and more within the club believe this could be the year Gavi competes for a starting spot.
The return of a warrior
Last season was complicated for Gavi. The ligament tear made him miss much of the campaign and, upon returning, he had to do so cautiously. Hansi Flick managed his minutes, prioritizing the player's recovery and feelings.
Now, after completing a full preseason, the midfielder seems to have left all the ghosts of the injury behind. His play is more fluid, he keeps that intensity that characterizes him, and above all, he shows a remarkable physical condition that places him among the team's standouts.
Direct competition with De Jong
Until recently, imagining Barça without Frenkie de Jong in the starting eleven was unthinkable. The Dutchman is one of the most important footballers in the squad and has always had the coaches' trust.
According to El Nacional, the high level shown by Gavi is generating a debate in the locker room and among fans: Can the young Sevillian take the spot from the Dutchman?
The answer isn't simple, but the signs are clear. Against Levante, his entrance at halftime changed the match and gave Barça the energy needed to come back. His high pressing, aggressiveness in recovering the ball, and ability to reach the opponent's box make him a difference-maker, and Flick knows it.
A profile that convinces Flick
The German coach especially values Gavi's intensity. His soccer fits with the idea of a more vertical Barça, with constant pressing and a high tempo.
De Jong provides control and calm, but in a team looking to speed up transitions, Gavi can be more decisive in certain matches. This versatility is giving him many points to become an undisputed starter in key games of the season.
Gavi being able to bench De Jong doesn't mean the latter loses prominence; the season is long and there's room for both. What is clear is that the academy graduate is determined to take a step forward. His evolution after the injury is one of the most positive things for Barça, and within the club, they already point out that this could be his year of consecration.