The first surprise of the Clásico did not come from Real Madrid or Barcelona. It was Luis de la Fuente who included Pedri in the National Team list, absent for four weeks due to an injury to the rectus femoris of the left thigh. If he was to go with Spain, he could also enter Xavi Hernández’s squad. However, just three hours after the coach announced the appointments, he was called off.
The loss of the canary has been very sensitive for Barcelona, which does not have a player of his profile on the bench. In his absence, Xavi will have to cling to Gavi as the midfielder who is capable of unbalancing the game. The Sevillian is especially good at the Classics. In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals (0-1), he played a very serious game in which he helped Balde on the left wing. In the final of the Spanish Super Cup, he was voted MVP after scoring a goal and providing two assists (1-3).
“I haven’t seen anyone say anything about Gavi for days. They said he was a butcher… It’s surprising, but I’m from home and I know where the shots come from.” Although he looks like a veteran at Barcelona, Gavi is only 18 years old and Xavi knows he has to keep him away from distractions and criticism. “What we do is protect the footballer so that he is focused, that he is, and nothing more. He gives everything on the field and comes in strong, but he never goes in bad faith.”
Indisputable even with the new signings
Gavi’s debut at Barcelona came at the hands of Ronald Koeman on the third matchday of last season against Getafe (2-1). By the absence of signings, the Dutchman pulled from the quarry and the Sevillian took advantage of the opportunity. His situation was pending this year after the incorporations made by Joan Laporta. But he is still indisputable for Xavi.
Gavi has started 28 games out of the 36 he has played this season for Barcelona. In the last six games, he has played all 90 minutes. Without Pedri, his presence is essential for the Catalans. In the victory against Valencia (1-0), the Canarian and the Sevillian witnessed the game together from the stands. There was also Robert Lewandowski. And Barça suffered a lot to win.
Xavi has left behind Barcelona’s usual 4-3-3, which is also often used at La Masía, to go to a 4-4-2 in which the team is more supported in defence. With this formation, Barça played their best game since they became coach, the final of the Spanish Super Cup. That day, Gavi moved to the left, where he was a hammer in attack and a nuisance in defence. The approach was repeated in the Copa del Rey.
One of the culés leaders
The good level of Frenkie de Jong, together with the poor form of the attacking players and the injury of Ousmané Dembélé, has led to this change of formation for Xavi. Gavi, except for surprise, will be placed on the left to surprise with his power and arrival. And to help in defense against Fede Valverde or Rodrygo, although it seems that the Uruguayan will be the starter.
They label him a butcher, but he has never been seen kicked with bad intentions. In it Classicwill be the banner of Barcelona along with Lewandowski and Ronald Araújo. Although he is only 18 years old, in football it is not usual to look at the identity card. He is ready to checkmate the League. Xavi and Gavi are up to something.
The first surprise of the Clásico did not come from Real Madrid or Barcelona. It was Luis de la Fuente who included Pedri in the National Team list, absent for four weeks due to an injury to the rectus femoris of the left thigh. If he was to go with Spain, he could also enter Xavi Hernández’s squad. However, just three hours after the coach announced the appointments, he was called off.
