Gavi’s fine performance for Spain against Sweden
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, ‘Gavi‘, continues to set new standards with the Spanish national side. He recently became the youngest player ever to play for the Spanish national team when he participated in the UEFA Nations League semi-final victory over Italy. The Andalusian midfielder impressed in that match and in the final loss against France for Luis Enrique’s team.
On Sunday, he was once again in action for the national team in their decisive group B-WC qualifier against Sweden. His defensive contribution and his movement between the lines were crucial in helping Spain to a 1-0 victory that booked their place in next year’s tournament in Qatar.
Fantastic achievement close to home
The La Masia product Gavi was born in the city of Los Palacios y Villafranca, just 30 kilometers from La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, the site of Spain to Sweden. The audience sang his name on more than one occasion and the teenager had plenty of family support in the stands. After the match, his father, Pablo Páez, told Spanish radio: “Today is a day to remember, in La Cartuja, the fans who sang his name. Spain won and it will not be forgotten. We have all come here today, parents, uncles “Grandparents, cousins, half the town is here.”
The Spanish national team coach, former Blaugrana player and manager Luis Enrique, joined the tributes in his press appearance after the match. “I decided to bring in Gavi because I think I know him and he can do well. He made a fantastic performance in front of 50,000 fans,” said the coach behind Barça’s triple win season 2014/15.
Gavis statistics
The midfielder’s impressive performance is backed by the statistics. He scored a 92% completion rate with his pass and completed 5 of 8 dribbles. The 17-year-old continues to improve at a rapid pace.