Xavi tells 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder ‘he is an example for everyone’

Barcelona’s 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday saw them get eliminated from the UEFA Champions League.

Needing a victory to progress, the Catalans put in a disappointing display at the Allianz Arena as the Bavarian giants dominated the contest. It could have been much worse for the Blaugrana if their hosts had shown a bit more composure and clinical nature in front of goal.

Barca manager Xavi Hernandez was far from pleased with the display and is believed to have hit out at his players during the half-time break.

However, one player is said to have made a solid impression on the 41-year-old, despite the disappointing loss. According to Diario AS, the Barcelona boss was pleased with the attitude of teenage midfield prodigy Gavi.

The 17-year-old, who is enjoying an exceptional breakthrough season with the Blaugrana, has found a huge admirer in Xavi, as per the report. It is claimed that the youngster is a favourite of the former Al Sadd head coach, not just because the La Masia graduate is a midfielder like him, but also because of his talent and commitment towards the team.

While Gavi did not have the best of games against Bayern, the Spanish international put in the hard yards and tried to make things happen. And, with the team losing when he was substituted, the midfielder had tears in eyes as he walked off the pitch.

Xavi is believed to be impressed by how much the teenage prodigy cares about the team, along with his tactical intelligence and dedication to the team’s cause. It is further claimed that the Barca gaffer consoled Gavi and congratulated him after he came off for giving it his all on the field, by saying: “You are an example for everyone.”

It has been about a month since Xavi took over. And while the hurdles were expected, the emergence of someone like Gavi is a positive for Barcelona this season. And the manager hopes to build his team around players who display the characteristics that the 17-year-old has.