Barcelona midfield gem crucial to positive morale in the dressing room – reports

At 19 years of age, Gavi is indispensable to Xavi Hernandez’s plans at Barcelona. The La Masia graduate has established himself as one of the best in the business and is seen as one for the long haul.

Yet, Gavi’s impact on the field is not limited to his quality on the ball. The teenager bleeds Blaugrana through and through and is the epitome of passion and no-nonsense dedication to the crest on the field.

According to reports from Jordi Cardero, the young sensation’s impact on Barcelona does not end there.

The Spanish journalist relays that Gavi has become a crucial person in the dressing room this season and has taken on the onus of helping his peers adapt to the first team as soon as possible.

On that front, he has had a role to play in the incorporation and settling in of Fermin Lopez and Ander Astralaga with the senior setup.

Of late, other reports also highlight that the whole group is really close and everyone gets along with each other well and there are no factions within the team.

A young veteran

Gavi may only be 19 years old, but his performances on the field prove that age is just a number.

At his tender age, the teenager is fiercely competitive on the field and is willing to push himself to the edge for his side.

One particularly reminisces his decision to continue playing against Osasuna before the international break despite suffering a gruesome ear injury and taking three staples on the sidelines.

In four games for the Catalans this season, Gavi has scored one goal and averages close to ten defensive actions per game.

Fierce competition

While the youngster is a regular starter for Xavi Hernandez’s side, it is safe to say that he is currently facing unprecedented competition for a starting spot.

Xavi Hernandez is spoilt for options in the middle of the park, with Frenkie de Jong, Pedri Gonzalez and Ilkay Gundogan all competing for three starting spots.

Moreover, Oriol Romeu has fit sweetly into the setup and commands a place of his own.

So far, Xavi has given the Golden Boy regular minutes as a false left-winger and the dynamics will likely continue for the foreseeable future. The story could well be different, however, if Joao Felix makes a strong impression on the left wing.