By Conor Laird
Published: June 2, 2022 10:35 p.m.
Last update: June 2, 2022 10:44 p.m.
Viewers of Spain’s clash with Portugal on Thursday night flocked to social media, for only one member of the former midfielder for particular praise.
La Roja, of course, was back a short time ago.
As part of the first round of Nations League fixtures, Luis Enrique’s troops hosted their fellow Portuguese heavyweights in Seville, for a much-anticipated clash.
And, in the end, the two European giants did not disappoint, en route to an entertaining 1-1 stalemate.
It was hosts Spain who opened the scoring on the evening, when a wonderful deep break was easily ended by the arrival of Alvaro Morata:
Morata gives Spain the lead but it all depends on how Gavi did it 🤌 pic.twitter.com/74ZRK14jrW
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 2, 2022
Portugal, however, were soon back in contention, before scoring what ultimately proved to be a decisive equalizer through Ricardo Horta with 82 minutes on the clock.
The two nations of the evening, in turn, are in 2nd place in the League A Group 2 table, behind the Czech Republic, who started their own campaign successfully thanks to a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland.
Gavi praised
With a host of talent – including Sergio Busquets, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva – on display at the Benito Villamarin tonight, it should come as no surprise to hear that fans around the world have listened to their absolute numbers to take in the action. between Spain and Portugal.
In the middle of the exchanges between the countries, it is however the name of another which found itself on the lips of the televiewers of the whole world.
The player in question? Gavi.
In the absence of Barcelona team-mate Pedri, prodigious talent Gavi was given his final international start on Thursday, taking his place in the middle of the park alongside the aforementioned Busquets and Carlos Soler.
And the 17-year-old, in turn, firmly stole the show.
After playing a key role in Morata’s opener with a deep lung race, Gavi continued to impress throughout, en route to what many considered a man of the match:
🇪🇸 Gavi v Portugal (81 mins):
• 2 key passes
• 2 fouls won
• 2 interceptions
• 5 duels won
• 94% success rate
• 100% acceptance success rate
• 100% long ball accuracy
• 0x past dribble 🔒
• Clean sheet ✅Portugal scored less than 60 seconds after their exit.
17 years. pic.twitter.com/41GIdx4Zbv
— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) June 2, 2022
And the online reaction has since proven a sight to behold, with some of the social media highlights featured below:
Gavi is 17 and he manages and trains Portuguese midfielders Bernado Silva, Bruno and Moutinho haha.. Barca effect
— Unruly King (@unrulyking00) June 2, 2022
Gavi leaves the Portugal scoreline, it’s no coincidence in my opinion… pic.twitter.com/x2UfMVQr5u
– tia (@tiamortonn) June 2, 2022
Well done Gavi. Best player on the pitch
— CHAMP14NS (@adhi_SRF1995) June 2, 2022
Gavi is such a special player man 🔥🔥 only 17 you know. Already Don. I always say football is about quality, not age.
– this guy. 🇿🇦🌍🇩🇪 (@Interredd) June 2, 2022
gavi leads the portugal ofc midfielder when he is substituted for their score pic.twitter.com/EbPpWuBvOq
— Messiah™️🇨🇩🇿🇦🇫🇷 (@Ftblmessie) June 2, 2022
Amazing to think that Barca’s Gavi is only 17 years old. Currently, he is wowing Spain against Portugal and showing not only technical ability but also incredible maturity and vision for someone so young. 👏👏 🥇#SpainPortugal #GAVI pic.twitter.com/gNZ2bHi4Ig
— The Football Stew (@StewFootball) June 2, 2022
What a ridiculous talent Gavi is for the 17-year-old playing Portugal midfielder here.
—Shaun (@shaunpk92) June 2, 2022
Wow Gavi played an amazing game. But Gavi turns the TV off then off👍
— Hello there (@JamesCule11) June 2, 2022
Gavi is a special talent. Only 17. Superb for Spain tonight against Portugal.
—Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) June 2, 2022
Gavi being only 17 makes no sense. The best player on a pitch that also has midfielders like Busquets and Bernardo Silva.
Passing, carrying the ball, tenacity and movement were nice throughout the game. Certified Judge 🇪🇸🪄#SpainPortugal pic.twitter.com/XLNDR1mtXH
—Srinivas Sadhanand (@notsrini_) June 2, 2022