Gavi Takes Huge Step Forward As FC Barcelona’s ‘Heart With Legs’ In Sevilla Thrashing

During a sketchy opening 15 minutes, FC Barcelona were lucky not to be several goals down in their La Liga meeting against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on Saturday night.

The Andalusians did as they pleased while cutting through a non-existent midfield with ease and sending play down Jules Kounde’s right wing to leave the Catalans’ coach Xavi Hernandez furious.

Were it not for the heroics of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is clearly reaching world class form again after a couple of questionable seasons, the Blaugrana would have been well on their way to suffering their first defeat of 2022/2023 and falling behind leaders and defending champions Real Madrid in the Spanish top flight table.

Around the 20 minute mark, though, the youngest player on the pitch took the game by the scruff of the neck and decided to turn the tide.

Snatching the ball deep in his own half, 18-year-old Gavi set off a sequence that ended with Robert Lewandowski having his shot cleared off the line by Fernando only for Raphinha to head home his maiden La Liga strike.

Once Barca’s account had been opened, it was all Gavi as the MVP of the match led in kilometers run (11.3) plus passes in the final third (19/44) and was second in ball recoveries with seven.

Asked about his impact after the game, Xavi was least shocked of all.

“I’m not surprised, I see him train every day,” the coach said.

“It’s hard work, discipline, heart… he was, I think, the best player in the game, because of his intensity, how he fights, because of the passes, the high pressure… he’s a heart with legs. He puts passion into it. His intensity gives us a lot,” Xavi added.

Learning to channel his aggression and reducing the amount of careless fouls he concedes in a game, Gavi is also becoming more of the creative powerhouse Spain national coach Luis Enrique warned us he was capable of being – and not just a Scrappy Doo-esque hothead who plays with a knife between his teeth.

Cementing a midfield partnership with Pedri that could become a fixture for club and country, he is also keeping Frenkie de Jong out of the first XI though Barca’s packed calendar should give ample playing time to all three undeniable talents.