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.
Pablo Sarabia 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.
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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