Barcelona star remains ready despite reduced World Cup role with Spain | OneFootball

Gavi’s role at the World Cup has changed dramatically after an encouraging start, but the Barcelona midfielder continues to wait patiently for another opportunity with Spain.

When Luis de la Fuente announced his squad for the tournament, Gavi’s inclusion surprised many after the 21-year-old spent much of the season managing his comeback from a serious knee injury.

The surprise grew even bigger when he was handed a place in Spain’s starting lineup for the opening group match against Cape Verde. Operating on the left wing with the number nine shirt, Gavi began his second World Cup as a starter, just as he had ended the 2022 tournament.

According to Mundo Deportivo, that remains his only appearance of the competition so far. After playing 71 minutes against Cape Verde, the Barcelona midfielder has not returned to the pitch in Spain’s following two group-stage matches.

Opportunity may be around the corner

Although his performance against Cape Verde was relatively quiet in possession, Gavi still displayed the qualities that have always made him valuable. He finished the match with more direct pressures than any other Spain player, highlighting the intensity and energy he brings without the ball.

After the game, Luis de la Fuente praised his contribution, pointing to the work he had also done in Spain’s pre-World Cup friendly against Peru. The coach highlighted the spaces Gavi creates for teammates and the aggression he brings to the team’s pressing structure.

However, those compliments have not yet translated into further minutes.

That could change in the knockout stage. With doubts surrounding the availability of Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams ahead of Spain’s Round of 32 clash against Austria, Gavi may once again find himself in contention for a starting place or significant minutes from the bench.

From a Barcelona perspective, there is no need for panic. After such a long recovery, simply being trusted enough to make Spain’s World Cup squad represented another important milestone in Gavi’s return.

If anything, the reduced workload could even benefit Barca ahead of next season. Hansi Flick knows exactly what Gavi brings when fully fit, and the midfielder has already shown throughout his career that he never needs much motivation to compete.