Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has commended young Gavi for striking the right balance between passion and discipline, asserting that he manages himself effectively. The 19-year-old has faced criticism for what some perceive as an overly aggressive style of play, characterized by his relentless pursuit of the ball. At times, this has resulted in disciplinary issues, with two red cards to his name, one this season against Porto and one against Granada in La Liga. In total, he has accumulated 35 yellow cards over three seasons in the first team, spanning 111 appearances.
When asked if he might advise Gavi to show more restraint against Real Madrid, Xavi responded, “It’s not necessary to say anything because he has matured significantly during his time with us. If I recall correctly, he received one red card in his first year and one this year. However, it’s not a concern. I believe he has good self-control, and he demonstrates it quite well. He is an essential player for the team, driven by his passion.”
Although Gavi has crossed the line on two occasions, his attitude and hunger on the field have proven to be invaluable for Barcelona since he joined the first team. While the team boasts several skilled players with the ball, Gavi, among them, has been instrumental in addressing their issues, which have often revolved around ball possession in recent seasons.