Barcelona coaching staff has absolute confidence in 20-year-old player despite recent form dip | OneFootball

Few players embody the gritty, relentless spirit of Barcelona quite like Gavi. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager, the young talent from Los Palacios quickly became a Camp Nou favorite with his fearless tackling, tireless work rate, and a maturity well beyond his years.

Last season’s devastating ACL injury, a torn ligament in his right knee during a Spain match in November 2023, sidelined him for nearly a year and tested his resilience. His comeback this season has been a testament to patience and perseverance, yet lately, the 20-year-old’s influence has waned.

According to Diario AS, Gavi’s progression has stalled, with bench appearances now outnumbering starts. Still, one thing remains unchanged: the coaching staff and the club have unwavering faith in him.

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A Season of Highs and Lows

Gavi’s 2025 began with promise. Take January 27, for example. Barcelona were dismantling Valencia 7-1, and Gavi, ever the team player, asked Hansi Flick to bring on Pablo Torre instead of himself, giving his teammate, who is struggling for game time, the chance to play the final 15 minutes of a match that was already well decided.

Hansi Flick praised this gesture as a display of camaraderie and a testament to Barcelona’s locker room feeling like a close-knit family. At that time, Gavi was untouchable, a midfield linchpin whose relentless energy set the tone.

He had already scored and provided an assist in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Club, proving he was back from injury in a big way.

However, as AS reports, his momentum has faded since the Super Cup final in Jeddah. In recent weeks, he has spent more time on the sidelines, including full games on the bench against Las Palmas and a late, chaotic cameo in the Copa del Rey semifinal draw against Atlético Madrid.

Bumps on the Road

The setbacks have been undeniable. A head clash against Alavés forced him off early, triggering concussion protocols that ruled him out of a Copa tie with Valencia.

Against Sevilla, a yellow card led to a halftime substitution, a precaution he and Flick agreed on to avoid a potential sending-off.

It was a similar story against Rayo Vallecano, where the 20-year-old midfielder exited in the 65th minute after another booking. ‘Referees don’t hesitate with me,’ Gavi grumbled, and the stats back him up. His accumulation of cards has disrupted his rhythm.

Then came Atlético. Subbed on to steady a chaotic match, he was caught out as Marcos Llorente fired home the 3-4 dagger. It has not been his finest stretch.

Competition Heats Up in Barcelona Midfield

Barcelona’s midfield is a crowded battlefield. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are locked in, their class undeniable. The third spot? A fierce competition. Dani Olmo, the summer’s big signing, brings flair and goals.

Fermín López, another La Masia gem, isn’t backing down either. Gavi’s fighting for minutes, and right now, he’s not winning. Post-injury, he’s admitted that he’s not yet at his pre-ACL peak. His sharpness and stamina are still catching up. But here’s the kicker: Barcelona doesn’t see this as a crisis.

Flick and Barcelona Stand Firm

Hansi Flick’s confidence in Gavi remains unshakable. The German coach meticulously guided him back from a severe injury, carefully managing his recovery with the precision of a surgeon.

He gradually increased Gavi’s playing time, progressing from brief appearances to starting roles, until the young star was once again performing at his peak.

Flick still raves about his “intensity, pressing, and heart”—traits that shone in his Super Cup heroics. The club shares this belief in his potential, securing his future with a contract extension through 2030, finalized just last month.

According to AS, Barcelona isn’t concerned about his recent dip in form. This is a player who has already amassed over 100 senior appearances before turning 21, a testament to his exceptional talent and resilience.

Whether he’s starting matches or making an impact as a substitute, the club is giving him the space and support to reignite his spark. They know what he’s capable of, and they’re committed to his growth.

The Road Ahead

Gavi’s challenge is straightforward: turn minutes into magic. The club’s betting on him, and history says they’re right. His tenacity’s still there, watch any press, and you’ll see it.

Flick’s tactical approach depends heavily on players with Gavi’s qualities, and with a demanding schedule looming, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, he’ll have plenty of chances to shine.

Barcelona’s stance is unmistakable: Gavi isn’t only a key part of their current squad; he’s a cornerstone of their long-term vision. This current slump is merely a temporary setback, not a permanent obstacle.

It’s worth keeping in mind that Gavi is just coming back from a serious injury, and patience will be crucial in his journey back to top form. His talent remains undeniable, and there’s little doubt he’ll work his way into the starting lineup once again. For now, it’s a matter of watching how his progress unfolds.