Gavi has declared Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal as the “best in the world” behind Lionel Messi.
Following Barcelona’s resounding 5-1 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, young midfielder hailed the 17-year-old as the continent’s top talent.
Both Gavi and Yamal were on the scoresheet as Barcelona continued their impressive form following their recent Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid.
Speaking after the game, Gavi said: “Lamine is very good, the best at the moment. But it is foolish to compare him to Messi, because there will only be one.
“He’s unique, just like there will only be one Xavi, an [Andres] Iniesta or [Sergio] Busquets. We have to make our own way.
“The match went very well, as it had to. We didn’t deserve the last defeats but the ball didn’t go in.
Barça fans watching Lamine Yamal: pic.twitter.com/MIZHKSzhev
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 15, 2025
“We deserved to win all the games we lost points in. I can play in several positions, but it’s what the coach decides.”
Gavi, himself a rising star, has a level head for such a young player.
He was also asked about the future of Ronald Araujo, who was linked with a transfer to Juventus this month.
He added: “Many journalists make things up, but Araujo is going to stay. Many things come out in the press, but many are lies and I have always trusted that Ronald will stay.”
With a place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals secured, Barcelona now turn their attention back to La Liga.
They face Getafe away on Saturday evening as they aim to close the gap on league leaders Atletico Madrid.
