Spain international Gavi could be the second coming of Francesco Totti, former Barcelona midfielder Demetrio Albertini has told ANSA of a player linked with Premier League giants Liverpool.
First there was Xavi, now there’s Gavi.
Every midfielder who graduates with flying colours from Barca’s famed La Masia academy has to deal, at some point or other, with comparisons to the club’s iconic number six.
But when it comes to Gavi, the similarities are impossible to ignore.
Aged just 17 years and 62 days, on Wednesday night Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, to give him his full name, became the youngest player to make his debut for the Spanish national team since 1936.
And if his performance in the 2-1 Nations League semi-final victory over Italy is anything to go by, 18-year-old Pedri isn’t the only up-and-coming, midfield superstar at Luis Enrique’s disposal.
Liverpool would love to bring Barcelona starlet Gavi to Anfield
“Gavi is an exception, he is Francesco Totti,” says 79-cap Italy international Albertini.
Like everyone who had the pleasure of watching two European giants slug it out during a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Albertini was blown away by the confidence and composure of a player who would make match-winner Ferran Torres look a veritable veteran.
“You can see a talented player right away. They have courage, and play without fear.”
Gavi certainly showed few signs of nerves against Jorginho, Nicolo Barella and his “idol” Marco Verratti.
As you might expect from a player who honed his talents in the home of tika-taka, Gavi hardly gave the ball away during his 85 minutes on the pitch.
What you may not have expected, however, was that the 17-year-old would do such a terrific job on the defensive side of the game, breaking up play and snapping into tackles – Europe’s most innocent-looking hatchet man.
According to El Nacional, Gavi’s rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed at Liverpool either. Jurgen Klopp tried to bring Pedri to Anfield in summer 2019, eyeing his £42 million release clause.
With Barcelona desperate for cash, surely Liverpool will be back on the blower in January?
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