Barcelona midfielder picks his La Masia XI, includes surprising names | OneFootball

After wrapping up his conversation with Mundo Deportivo, which focused mainly on his recovery process, Barcelona midfielder Gavi suggested something different to close the interview. 

The outlet mentions that he asked for a short quiz. This time, however, he wanted to change the theme and make it more personal.

Instead of analysing current form or picking the best players available today, Gavi decided to look back. 

He challenged himself to build a starting XI made up exclusively of teammates he had played alongside during his formative years at Barcelona. 

The selection was not guided by tactics, status, or present-day performance. It was built from memory, emotion, and shared moments inside the dressing room at La Masia and during his first steps as a professional footballer.

Who features in Gavi’s La Masia XI?

The midfielder opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation and mixed different generations of academy players with whom he still maintains a close bond. 

In goal, he chose his close friend Ander Astralaga, a goalkeeper he knows well from their youth-team days.

Gavi’s La Masia XI. (Picture credit: Mundo Deportivo)

The defensive line also reflected familiarity and affection rather than hierarchy. At right-back, Gavi picked Hector Fort. 

The centre-back pairing featured Eric Garcia alongside Pau Cubarsi, while quite surprisingly, Juan Larios, currently playing for Cultural Leonesa, on loan from Championship club Southampton, completed the back line on the left.

Midfield and attack

In midfield, the pairing of Nico Gonzalez and Xavi Simons underlined the level of talent that has passed through La Masia in recent years. 

Interestingly, both Nico and Xavi are currently playing in the Premier League, with the former at Manchester City and the latter playing for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ahead of them, Gavi selected a highly creative and attacking trio. Ilias Akhomach occupied the right flank, Lamine Yamal took up the number 10 role, and Ansu Fati started from the left.

Leading the line was Fermin Lopez, operating almost as a false nine with a natural eye for goal.

Source: Mundo Deportivo