One member of Luis Enrique’s Spain squad has been singled out for widespread praise on Sunday evening.
La Roja were of course back in action a short time ago.
On the back of a solid if unspectacular opening to the country’s Nations League campaign, the Spanish welcomed the Czech Republic to Malaga, eyeing a 2nd win on the spin.
And, when all was said and done, make it two wins from two, en route to a spot atop the Group B table, is precisely what Enrique’s troops managed.
Carlos Soler was first on target, before Pablo Sarabia made sure that the evening’s hosts bagged all three points courtesy of a 2nd fifteen minutes from time:
The buildup to this Spain goal @Pablosarabia92 extends their lead to ✌️
:FS2 pic.twitter.com/RFsJHtIbKQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2022
‘Little genius’
Spain’s result-clinching 2nd, though, only came after what many have since labelled as a game-changing substitution on the part of boss Enrique.
The player introduced to the fray? Gavi.
With an hour on the clock, and La Roja toiling in their efforts to put a plucky Czech outfit to the sword once and for all, Carlos Soler was hooked, with Barcelona sensation Gavi introduced in his place.
And the 17-year-old, despite his tender years, enjoyed yet another wonderful showing in his country’s colours, playing a central role in both the buildup to Sarabia’s 2nd, and his side ultimately seeing out the result.
GAVI STOP IT!! 17 YEARS OLD pic.twitter.com/PGhjMrtbX3
— (@Freknie) June 12, 2022
In turn, viewers of the clash have since taken to social media in their absolute droves, to heap praise on one of world football’s finest up-and-coming talents:
Gavi came in a changed the game
— OBABY (@MakswehlO) June 12, 2022
Different team when Gavi is on
— Wado Wick ☠️ (@Where_Is_WaDo) June 12, 2022
If Gavi keeps this up, Xavi won’t have a choice but to make him an undisputed starter in no time.
What a talent. Incredible.
— Domagoj Kostanjšak (@DKostanjsak) June 12, 2022
Gavi COMPLETELY changed the game.
Goal Spain .. Gavi’s run made all the difference.
— adil (@Barca19stats) June 12, 2022
Gavi just makes football look so easy. If you think he’s just a ball of energy you’re looking past the incredible maturity in his game
— Anna R (@Anna_96_10) June 12, 2022
Gavi, man.. like I been sayin, all the hypes around Pedri and well worth it but Gavi might actually be better, and hes 17 lol.
— ali (@ArabGodZee) June 12, 2022
Gavi is a little genius. 17 years old and he’s changed the game for Spain after coming on.
— ConallMeade (@conall_meade) June 12, 2022
I’m not one to hype players, but you see that boy called Gavi…he’s a genius. Iniesta and Xavi in the body of a 17 year old. Wow! ⚽️ #ESPCZE #gavi #uefanations
— Sports Doctor (@AmaifeHenry) June 12, 2022
Crazy how gavi is 17 and is that good
— Juan Montiel (@Juan19_Montiel) June 12, 2022
Gavi is literally the game changer every time he’s on the pitch for Spain and he’s 17 years old ffs. That is when Pedri & Fati aren’t playing anyway
— Edward (@Edward_Braisby) June 12, 2022
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