Gavi: Teenager becomes Spain’s youngest international as Italy’s 37-game unbeaten streak ends
At simply 17 years and 62 days, midfielder Gavi grew to become the nation’s youngest ever worldwide participant when he made his debut towards Italy within the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday.
“We already talked about how he’s an uncommon case,” Spain coach Luis Enrique stated after the match. “He’s enjoying like within the yard of his home. It’s a pleasure to see a participant with this high quality and character.
“He’s the way forward for the nationwide workforce like many different gamers however he additionally confirmed he’s a part of the current.”
{The teenager} broke Angel Zubieta’s 85-year file after the Athletic Bilbao participant made his debut on the age of 17 years and 284 days in 1936.
‘Nothing is an excessive amount of’
Given his inexperience on the prime degree, Gavi’s debut was exceptional at occasions.
Enjoying towards established Italian stars similar to Marco Verratti and Jorginho, the midfielder demonstrated his world-class shut management and talent to run with the ball.
Signed into the Barcelona academy as a toddler, his rise to the highest has been fast however his confidence appears to know no bounds.
He solely made his senior debut for the Catalan facet in August this yr however, alongside the likes of Ansu Fati and Pedri, he’s now thought of the way forward for the membership.
“Nothing is an excessive amount of for him, he has the character and high quality to play at this degree,” added Enrique after he had raised some eyebrows along with his squad choice.
And it was a debut to recollect for Gavi, as Spain lastly introduced the European champion’s unbeaten run to an finish.
Two first-half objectives from Manchester Metropolis’s Ferran Torres put the guests in management and the sport seemed to be over after Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci was despatched off for a second yellow card.
A late objective from Lorenzo Pellegrini gave the hosts hope however Spain was just too organized and deserved the win.
“The sport performed out superbly for us however that was a match of two rivals going at it hammer and tongs with their finest strengths on present,” Enrique stated.
Spain now faces both France or Belgium within the Nations League last.
