Luis de la Fuente explains decision behind recalling €70m Barcelona star to Spain squad | OneFootball

Luis de la Fuente has revealed his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and as expected, there’s strong FC Barcelona representation. The U-21 Euros squad also features several Blaugrana talents, including Pablo Torre and Gerard Martin.

Interestingly, in what was a very unique scenario, midfield star Fermin Lopez was picked both in the senior squad for the Nations League as well as the U-21 squad for the European Championship. The likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsi have also made the senior squad.

One Barcelona player who has made a return to the Spain squad for the first time in over a year is Gavi. The 20-year-old Spaniard was out with an ACL injury for a while and is now slowly showing signs of getting back to his best.

Gavi back in La Roja mix

Gavi was a regular in La Roja squads prior to his injury but the last time Luis de la Fuente had the opportunity to call him, he chose to leave him out. That has changed now though, with the La Masia graduate getting the call.

Luis de la Fuente was asked about the decision and as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, here is what he had to say:

“It was a natural process. Those kinds of injuries require time. One thing is medical clearance, and another is being back to full performance. Gavi is at a high level, although he still has a way to go and needs to keep working. He’s in that process now and currently performing at an extremely high level. He’s a very important player for us. He’s coming to play, and we’re celebrating his inclusion in the squad.”

Against Athletic Club in Barcelona’s final game of the season, Gavi had a brilliant display playing as the pivot on the night. He won 15 out of 17 attempted ground duels and completed the game with a 97% passing accuracy.

A full circle for Gavi. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Is his future in the pivot?

Every single time the €70m-rated midfielder plays in a deeper role for Barcelona, it increasingly looks like that’s where his future lies. His tenacity off the ball often tends to overshadow his technical ability on the ball and the pivot position is perfect for him.

In the absence of Rodri, the 20-year-old Barcelona star might get an opportunity to play in a deeper role for his national team. However, it is unlikely that he is going to be a starter with the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo in the squad.

It remains to be seen how De la Fuente will utilize Gavi during the Nations League campaign, but his return to the national fold is an encouraging sign. With his form steadily improving and a deeper midfield role potentially suiting him long-term, the 20-year-old looks poised to reclaim his place among Spain’s key players. His comeback story is just beginning and the 2025/26 season could be his most defining yet.