By Conor Laird
Published: June 12, 2022 10:09 p.m.
Last update: June 12, 2022 10:36 p.m.
A member of Luis Enrique’s Spain squad was singled out for widespread praise on Sunday night.
La Roja was of course back in action a short time ago.
After a solid but unspectacular opener to the country’s Nations League campaign, the Spaniards hosted the Czech Republic in Malaga, eyeing a 2nd win on the spin.
And, in the end, getting two wins out of two, en route to a place at the top of the Group B table, is precisely what Enrique’s troops have achieved.
Carlos Soler was the first on target, before Pablo Sarabia ensured that the hosts of the evening pocketed the three points thanks to a 2nd quarter of an hour from the end:
The rise of this Spanish goal @Pablosarabia92 extends their lead to ✌️
:FS2 pic.twitter.com/RFsJHtIbKQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2022
“Little genius”
Spain’s second-place finish, however, only came after what many have since described as a game-changer from boss Enrique.
The player introduced into the fray? Gavi.
With an hour on the clock and La Roja struggling to put a brave Czech side 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 youthful years, enjoyed another magnificent performance in his country’s colours, playing a central role in both the build-up to Sarabia’s 2nd and his side ultimately seeing the result.
GAVI STOP IT!! 17 YEARS pic.twitter.com/PGhjMrtbX3
— (@Freknie) June 12, 2022
In turn, viewers of the clash have since taken to social media in droves, to praise one of world football’s top promising talents:
Gavi came to change the game
— OBABY (@MakswehlO) June 12, 2022
Different team when Gavi is activated
— Wado Wick☠️ (@Where_Is_WaDo) June 12, 2022
If Gavi continues like this, Xavi will have no choice but to make him an undisputed starter in no time.
What talent. Unbelievable.
— Domagoj Kostanjsak (@DKostanjsak) June 12, 2022
Gavi has COMPLETELY changed the game.
Goal Spain.. Gavi’s run made all the difference.
— Adil (@Barca19stats) June 12, 2022
Gavi makes football so simple. If you think he’s just a ball of energy, you’re looking past the incredible maturity of his game.
—Anna R (@Anna_96_10) June 12, 2022
Gavi, man.. like i said, all the hype around Pedri and it’s so worth it, but Gavi actually could be better, and he’s 17 lol.
— Ali (@ArabGodZee) June 12, 2022
Gavi is a little genius. 17 years old and he changed the game for Spain after his arrival.
— ConallMeade (@conall_meade) June 12, 2022
I’m not one to exaggerate players, but you see this boy named 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
It’s crazy how gavi is 17 and it feels so good
—Juan Montiel (@Juan19_Montiel) June 12, 2022
Gavi is literally a game-changer every time he is on the pitch for Spain and he is 17 years old. That’s when Pedri & Fati don’t play anyway
— Edward (@Edward_Braisby) June 12, 2022