Barcelona midfielder makes his case for starting role after outstanding pre-season | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pre-season tour in South Korea has brought out an unexpected hero, namely, Gavi, who netted twice against Daegu FC and is now the team’s top scorer during the tour.

Having also scored in the previous match against FC Seoul, Gavi’s goal-scoring form has become one of the most talked-about positives of Hansi Flick’s early reign.

For a player not particularly known for finding the back of the net, this recent surge in goals is significant.

Gavi has always been known for his tenacity, tactical intelligence, and work rate, but now, he is adding goals to his game at a time when Barcelona are in desperate need of midfielders who can influence the scoreboard.

Shining in double pivot role

Hansi Flick made a bold decision by starting Gavi ahead of Pedri in the match against Daegu, placing him in a double pivot alongside Frenkie de Jong.

While Gavi played more as a central midfielder last season, this shift to a deeper role could be a key part of Flick’s plan going forward, especially given the current squad structure and the need for midfield balance.

Gavi scored a brace against Daegu FC. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)

So far, Gavi has featured alongside both Pedri and De Jong during the pre-season matches, two players who were considered untouchable starters under the previous coaching setup.

However, after these performances, Gavi is making it hard to ignore his claim for a regular spot in Flick’s starting eleven.

A statement ahead of the new season

After a much-needed summer break, Gavi, who could be a candidate for captaincy next season, has returned looking refreshed and ready to impress.

Playing in a role that suits his strengths, the youngster has shown composure, sharpness, and hunger to impact games beyond just effort.

While it is true that neither FC Seoul nor Daegu FC are top-level European opponent, pre-season matches are less about results and more about fitness, chemistry, and early signs of tactical direction. In all three areas, Gavi has delivered.

Next up is the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como, managed by former Barça man Cesc Fabregas. That will be followed by the opening La Liga fixture against Mallorca.

These matches will offer a clearer picture of Gavi’s role under Flick, but for now, the midfielder has done everything right to stake his claim.