Barcelona’s €90 million-rated prodigy is irreplaceable in Xavi’s plans – report

The arrival of Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu in the summer amplified the quality of Barcelona’s already golden midfield. After all, the Catalans already had the services of some of the world’s elite in Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong.

In normal circumstances, six midfielders would be an excess for a team playing in a 4-3-3 setup. Xavi’s tactics, however, utilise four midfielders including Gavi on the left wing, opening the doors for all players to contribute.

A lot has been said in recent weeks about the Spanish tactician’s altered 4-3-3 setup with even Robert Lewandowski calling for three pure forwards playing in the final third.

Gavi is untouchable for Xavi

In such a situation, Gavi would be the player sacrificed on the field for a more attacking option. In all probability, it would be Ferran Torres or Joao Felix occupying that role in a pure 4-3-3.

According to reports from SPORT, however, Gavi is essential for the manager. Xavi does not contemplate changing his four-midfielder setup as he sees it to be essential for the team’s stability.

A true winger, in theory, would help the Blaugranas play a more offensive game with better cohesion in the final third.

Given that de Jong is going through a rich vein of form, Gundogan has made an exceptional start to the campaign and Romeu is key as the anchorman, one would look at Gavi as the expendable member if a third forward is to be introduced.

However, Xavi is not contemplating any such move and sees the 19-year-old as irreplaceable from his current starting lineup.

Moreover, the Barcelona manager highly values the youngster’s passion, defensive contribution and eye for goal in the final third.

A special milestone 

Barcelona’s clash against Osasuna at El Sadar last night was a special occasion for Gavi as it marked his 100th game for the club across all competitions. In fact, he is now the youngest player to hit that milestone.

Of his century of appearances, the La Masia graduate has started on a whopping 79 games and has been at the heart of the team’s buildup.

Pedri’s return from injury may turn things around for the youngster, for the Canary Islander is clearly higher up the pecking order. Moreover, none of Oriol Romeu, Gundogan, or de Jong would appear displaceable. 

Nevertheless, Gavi, whose market value stands at €90 million, will continue to be a regular in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future and will look to make the most of his chances.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.