Barcelona midfielder Gavi’s aggressive challenge on Rodri during Spain training may have gone viral, but Luis de la Fuente has made it clear that he has no intention of changing the midfielder’s approach.
The Spain coach was asked about the incident after footage circulated on social media showing Gavi catching the Manchester City superstar late on his ankle.
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Rodri continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, this summer, and this narrative has added to the drama of Gavi’s challenge.
De la Fuente has now spoken in defence of the youngster’s mentality. As quoted by MARCA, the Spanish manager said:
“Gavi must manage his energy, but I want him like that.”
Gavi has built his reputation on relentless intensity, energy, pressing, tackling and competing for every ball as if it were his last.
This is one of the main reasons why coaches love him and why he has become a regular for both Barcelona and Spain at such a young age.
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Even a couple of long injury layoffs have not stopped the Spaniard from flying into every second challenge, and it seems that he is no different in training.
Asking him to curb this aspect of his game would be like asking him to play football without his superpowers, and Luis de la Fuente understands that.
There is a very fine line between aggression and recklessness, and Gavi seems to be an expert at tiptoeing between the two.
After returning from a serious knee injury, some wondered whether the midfielder would lose some of that trademark passion. If anything, recent performances and training clips suggest the opposite.
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Luis de la Fuente has always been a huge admirer of Gavi, and his words will only urge the midfielder further to play his natural game.
Spain, and even Barcelona, do not want a different version of Gavi.
However, as De la Fuente says, it would be good if the 21-year-old could choose his tackles more wisely and avoid running the risk of injuring his teammate so close to the World Cup.
