Gavi hits back at criticism of 2026 World Cup performances – “I will never change” | OneFootball

Of the players Barcelona still have at the 2026 World Cup, Gavi is among those that has played the fewest minutes. After starting and playing 71 minutes against Cabo Verde in Spain’s opening match, he has not featured outside of a five-minute cameo at the end of the round of 32 victory over Austria earlier this week.

On the back of that match against Cabo Verde, which was his first for Spain since tearing his ACL in November 2023, Gavi came in for significant criticism. He responded to this during an interview with MD, as he expressed his belief that he can be an easy target for some people.

“Maybe a lot of people are waiting for me (to play bad) because I’m a player who goes into the clash and maybe a lot of people don’t like that type of player. I always consider myself a very complete player, who has many facets on the pitch. The best thing about me is that competitiveness, that intensity that I have on the field. I will never change. I know that there will always be people waiting.

“Maybe that’s why (people criticise me), because I’m a player who is very hot on the pitch, who always goes to the death with his players. There are always people who don’t like that and it makes them angry.”

Gavi hoping for Julian Alvarez to join Barcelona

During the interview, Gavi was also asked about Julian Alvarez, who has been strongly linked with Barcelona in recent weeks. The 21-year-old made it clear that he wants the Atletico Madrid man as his teammate next season.

“Yes, of course. Hopefully. In the end you will see what he does with his future, but of course I would love for him to be with us, plus it is his dream. Hopefully.”