“If you watch Gavi or Pedri, they are playing like they’re 32!”: Morata praises young Barcelona duo

Barcelona have had a dismal run so far this season. Repeated injuries have been a part of, but far from the reason for, the poor performances on the field.

Yet, the worst has not been without a silver lining. For all of the club’s suffering in matches, the youngsters have been a bright spot.

Of all of the criticism directed at the management in the last five years, the loudest shouts were probably those about the neglect of La Masia. The academy that was known to produce the best talents in the world was no longer the same in terms of output.

However, the past season has seen some young stars once again make the big jump to the first team. Despite being in their teens, these youngsters have played with maturity beyond their years. Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Nico, Gavi and Mingueza are just a few of the many youngsters in Barcelona’s first team.

Spain forward Alvaro Morata had the same observation about Barcelona’s midfield gems Gavi and Pedri. When asked about their integration in the national team at such a young age, the Juventus forward said that the duo played at a level much beyond their years.

“When I was 17 it was hard for me to train with the first team. But if you watch Pedri or Gavi they are playing like they are 32. It’s amazing! I asked Gavi where he lived and he told me – in La Masia,” he said, as relayed by Sport.

He continued to shower the two with his kind words, commending Pedri for his fantastic run in the European Championship when he won the Young Player of the Tournament.

“They have incredible technique. The EURO Cup that Pedri had was spectacular and with Gavi, when I saw the game against Italy, I did not believe it was his first game.”

It would not be wrong to say that Barcelona currently have some of the finest youngsters in world football. Now, with Xavi at the helm, it remains to be seen if the teenagers can further pacen their development and mould into world-class players.