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      Man Utd wonderkid Anthony Elanga idolises Thierry Henry, has already scored his first senior goal and signed bumper deal

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      BRILLIANT Anthony Elanga is well on his way to becoming Manchester United’s next youth success story.The Swedish winger, 19, has been tipped to join a Championship side on loan in the January transfer window, with first team experience the goal.
      Anthony Elanga, 19, scored his first senior Man Utd goal against WolvesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      The Swedish winger scored a bullet header any target man would be proud ofCredit: Getty
      Of course, Red Devils fans will already know about his prowess from last season.
      The flying youngster scored his first senior goal for United with a bullet header against Wolves on the final day of the campaign.
      The youth star has impressed for the Under-23’s again this season, but has found game-time limited.
      However, some fans are calling for him to start ahead of England international Marcus Rashford.
      Elanga made his senior debut against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Elanga has four goals in eight games for the Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Football is something that is very much in his blood.
      His dad Joseph Elanga was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
      Anthony was previously handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, which has been won by first-teamers Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the past.
      While back in March, Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      19-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last seasonCredit: Sportsfile
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 42, wasn’t a forward like his son. He was a defender, who made a career for himself in Europe – in countries including Greece, Sweden and Denmark, before retiring in 2012.
      His best years were with Malmo from 2000-2005, who he won the Swedish championship with in 2004. He would join the club for one season again in 2010 and win a second league title.
      Joseph was a member of the Cameroon 1998 World Cup squad, but didn’t play a game.
      During his career, however, he did manage to gain 17 caps for his country.
      Joseph Elanga played in Europe for clubs including Malmo and Brondby (pictured here)Credit: Getty
      Elanga Sr played 17 times for Cameroon and was picked for their 1998 World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      A THREAT UPFRONT
      United’s youth sides are blessed with promising forwards, with the likes of Shola Shoretire, Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf all showing they have a bright future in the game.
      Like them, Elanga has the ability to play out wide or though the middle as a No9.
      Predominantly right-footed, he uses his pace and skill to beat his man, often cutting in before unleashing a shot on goal.
      His solo runs are reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs, who could take three or four players out of a game in one swashbuckling gallop.
      Elanga has been with the Red Devils since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC.
      In 2019-20, after a prolific season with the U18 side with who he scored seven times in nine games, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
      In March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal and was previously named Utd academy player of the yearCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty

      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – had excited Solskjaer in training before his first-team debut.
      “He’s got an X factor, some attributes, it’s not like a gift, but he’s got the acceleration, pace, speed, that’s a given for wingers and he’s got qualities I like,” the Norwegian explained.
      “He’s a goalscoring winger, he’s confident, he likes to beat men, right foot, left foot, he’s got a great attitude.”

      Humble Elanga understands he has to work hard to achieve regular first team footballCredit: Instagram anthonyelanga
      Elanga can see a pathway to the United first team after seeing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood flourishCredit: Getty
      Elanga is equally as positive for his future, and knows what he has to do to impress his boss.
      Back in November he told PA, “You look at the likes of Mason and Rashy, there is a pathway there.
      “It just shows you that if you’re willing to put the work into it and continue to work hard day in, day out in training there’s a pathway for you there.”
      HEROES IN THE GAME
      In an interview with The Athletic last year, Elanga revealed who he models his game on.
      “Thierry Henry was my idol and I tried to match my game with his,” he said.
      “He was quick. He could play anywhere across the front three – striker, left wing, right wing – and that’s how I want to replicate my game.”
      Solskjaer said Elanga has an X-Factor about him and a promising futureCredit: Getty
      Elanga idolises Thierry Henry and tries to copy his hero’s gameCredit: Getty
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      Manchester United legend Gary Neville caught a glimpse of Elanga in full flight, when he co-commentated on United Under-21s 6-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy last year.
      He said the youngster was a “nightmare to play against” and called his goal “Thierry Henry-esque.”
      If he’s half the player Henry was, United have got themselves a real talent.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I begged mum to change my name to Ronaldo’ – Meet Chelsea talent Harvey Vale, 18, who starred for Blues in Carabao Cup

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      HARVEY VALE has crept into Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts during the club’s Carabao Cup run.The 18-year-old Chelsea wonderkid made his second appearance for the Blues in the 2-0 win against Spurs, just weeks after making his debut in the quarter-final against Brentford.
      Chelsea wonderkid Harvey Vale wanted to change his name to Cristiano Ronaldo as a kidCredit: Getty
      Vale played his second game for the Blues against Spurs in the League CupCredit: Getty
      But, if he had it own way, instead of having ‘Vale’ on the back of his shirt he would have preferred ‘Ronaldo’.
      The teenager begged his mum to change his name to copy the Man Utd legend when he was a kid.
      Vale has made his own name recognisable, though, with the Blues academy team – starring for the U18’s and U23’s.
      Ronaldo obsession
      Like many boys his age, attacking midfielder Harvey looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo.
      He so obsessed by the Portuguese superstar, he asked his mum if he could change his name to ex-Real Madrid forward.
      “In football, [my idol] was definitely Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told the Chelsea website.
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      “When I was younger, I begged my mum to let me change my name to Ronaldo, but looking back I’m glad she didn’t let me!”
      In stature, Vale is similar in height and physique to his hero.
      He joined Chelsea from Fulham – where he once played a game in goal – at the age of 13, and has risen through the youth ranks.
      This season, he has been a revelation for the U23’s – with Tuchel keeping close tabs on the talent.
      Because of his outstanding form and development this term, his coaches have raved about him.
      That’s led to the German tactician including the youngster in first team training sessions.
      Vale has been training with the Chelsea first teamCredit: Getty
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been impressed by what he’s seen of ValeCredit: Rex
      Born natural
      His flawless technique has already drawn plaudits from top performance coach Tom Joyce, who worked with Vale in 2021.
      “He’s a natural baller and makes it look easy,” Joyce revealed.
      “He’s dedicated and a really hard worker.
      “When I teach him something new, or get him to perform a drill, he won’t stop until he’s got it right. He’s determined, and I like that in an athlete. He’s got great passing accuracy and an unbelievable shot, too.
      “He’s a hard worker, so he just needs to stay consistent, put in the work behind the scenes and gain every advantage he can.
      “I believe Harvey will soon follow Tino in making regular Premier League appearances, as he (Livramento) has shown he is capable of making the transition from the U23s. It has been exceptional.”
      Vale is a natural baller, according to a former coachCredit: Rex
      Contract expiring
      Vale has 18-months left on his contract, with Chelsea hopeful his future can be resolved.
      According to reports, the reason why a deal has stalled is because of the on-going Covid crisis rocking the football world.
      Talks have been going on for some time, though, with neither party in a rush to finalise proceedings and a resolution on the cards.
      However, the West London side will be wary after promising youngsters Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento departed from the Bridge.
      They certainly won’t want to lose Vale, another gem from their famed academy set-up.
      Vale flies into the tackle on his Chelsea debut against BrentfordCredit: Reuters
      With his contract expiring in 18 months, Chelsea will be hopeful he signs a new dealCredit: Getty More

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      Meet 15-year-old Archie Gray, nephew of Leeds Utd legend Eddie, who featured on the bench against Arsenal

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      WITH every crisis comes opportunity, and for Archie Gray it meant he got first team experience at Elland Road in the Premier League.Last weekend, the 15-year-old was named on the bench for the first time against Arsenal.
      Leeds United prospect Archie Gray has academy coaches purring at Thorp ArchCredit: Rex
      Archie is the great-nephew of Leeds legend Eddie GrayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      With the greatest respect, his chance came because of an injury crisis that has crippled Leeds United and seen the Whites crumble to a 7-0 thrashing against Manchester City and 4-1 beating by the Gunners.
      But, what has been evidenced by Marcelo Bielsa and youth academy coaches at Thorp Arch, is that Gray has the potential to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors and become a regular.
      The teen midfielder carries the club’s DNA. His dad is former Leeds forward Andy Gray, he is the grandson of ex-defender Frank and great-nephew of legend Eddie.
      And he’s got the backing of Leeds director Victor Orta.
      EXCELLING AT YOUTH LEVEL
      Archie is currently earning rave reviews from his mentors at youth level..
      At his tender age, he is already playing U23 football having broken into Mark Jackson’s side.
      And he has experienced the physical side of EFL’s League One and Two by playing in the Papa John’s Trophy for the U21’s.
      A standout assist in a game against Tranmere Rovers for an Amari Miller goal wowed fans when it surfaced on social media.
      In early December, Archie also represented his country – playing for England’s U16’s in the Val-de-Marne tournament in France.
      For now, he has snubbed Scotland unlike Eddie, Frank and Andy.
      Back in September, Gray starred against Tranmere Rovers in the Papa John’s TrophyCredit: Getty
      Gray provided an outstanding assist for Amari Miller’s goalCredit: Getty
      THE DIRECTOR’S SOAPBOX
      Archie’s recent rise has Victor Orta excited.
      In an interview with Spanish YouTube channel La Media Inglesa, the Leeds director heaped praise on the youngster when asked who the future of the club could be.
      Orta revealed: “I want to be the first person on La Media Inglesa since in five years’ time you’ll be talking about this guy non-stop and I want to be the first and because I already had the answer prepared yesterday, I want to say the name of Archie Gray, our youth team player.
      “He is 16, [great nephew] of Eddie Gray, son of Andy Gray and I want to say the name of Archie Gray on La Media Inglesa.
      “You can find a nice moment of what he did the other day in the Papa John’s Trophy on Wyscout, he gave a lovely pass to Amari Miller in our 4-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers.
      “Hopefully nobody takes him away from us for God’s sake. Nobody is going to do that, he has [Leeds] in his blood. So that’s why I want to say the name of Archie Gray on here because every time he takes a step forward you’ll see him.”
      JUST LIKE AGUERO
      Archie’s performance against Tranmere back in September gave Orta goosebumps.
      It also reminded him of a legend just retired, not because of similarities with how they play, but more with how Archie has burst onto the scene.
      “He’s one of those players you see every, I don’t know. I remember Kun Agüero and saying “what is this?” It’s something that happens once in a long time, so I wanted to mention Archie Gray,” Orta purred.
      Midfielder Gray has all the ingredients to become a Leeds first teamer, according to director Victor OrtaCredit: Rex
      Gray featured on the bench recently in the Premier League defeat to ArsenalCredit: Rex
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      “[It] has actually happened only a few times, in the South America under-20s tournament, Kun scored 10 or 12 goals or something like that, you could see he was different.
      “I saw Ángel Correa in under 15s in San Lorenzo and it impacted me. I saw Douglas Costa when he was 15 in a Copinha São Paolo and I said ‘who’s this guy?’
      “It’s happened only a few times. But yeah, Archie gives me the same feeling. Archie the other day against Tranmere Rovers gave me that feeling.”
      Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa discusses his squad’s injuries More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd starlet Zidane Iqbal idolised Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong before making debut

      by

      THERE is now more than one Zidane.This week, Manchester United starlet Zidane Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils.
      A late substitution in the 1-1 draw against Young Boys, the Iraqi U23 international made history by becoming the first ever South Asian footballer to pull on the famous red shirt.
      Zidane Iqbal is the latest youngster that has Man Utd fans purringCredit: Getty
      Talented Iqbal grew up idolising ex-Arsenal star Mesut OzilCredit: Getty
      However, it wasn’t United legends like Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo who inspired Iqbal growing up.
      Ex-Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was Iqbal’s idol growing up because of his Muslim background.
      PAKISTANI HERITAGE
      Iqbal was asked on Manchester United’s official website who he looked up to as he rose through the ranks at the club.
      “Mesut Ozil, because he’s a Muslim like me. Just seeing another Muslim footballer is a good thing,” he revealed.
      “The journey is different for everyone, and I can tell you it’s not easy. It’s like a rollercoaster, up and down. You just have to enjoy the ride and whatever’s meant to be is meant to be.”
      While the box-to-box midfielder also revealed Barcelona’s Dutch ace Frenkie de Jong is someone he likes to model is own game on.
      The exciting talent was born in Manchester to a Pakistani father and Iraqi mother.
      “I come from such a hard-working family. My parents are always working hard, my brother, my grandparents
      “When we came to this country, they all inspired me to give my best at everything I do.”
      Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils in the Champions League dead against Young BoysCredit: Getty
      Earlier this year, Iqbal signed his first pro contract with the club he’s been with since nineCredit: Twitter @z10ane
      SALE THROUGH LIFE
      At grassroots level he played for Sale United, until he was plucked by United scouts to join their academy aged just nine – the earliest age legally permitted.
      His former coach Stewart Hamer previously praised Iqbal’s attitude to the Manchester Evening News.
      “He had a great attitude, he was always willing to learn and he played with a big smile on his face,” he said.
      “He was quite happy to do whatever we challenged him to do.
      “Everyone took their part in being a goalkeeper, for example, and he’d take his part in the net just like everyone else.”
      Even at the age of six he was running rings around the opposition, which his coach deemed “unfair”.
      “We had quite a bit of success if you can call it that at that stage, and Zidane was at the heart of that,” Hamer continued.
      “There were times when we would play six-a-side competitions and he would be basically ripping it up.
      Iqbal has risen through the youth ranks at UnitedCredit: Getty
      For the U23 side Iqbal has been a revelationCredit: Getty
      “We would take him off and substitute him because it wasn’t fair to the other side.
      “Or sometimes we’d put him in goal so he wasn’t causing the danger.”
      INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL BECKONS
      Being born in the UK, Iqbal could represent England.
      But, for the moment, it’s Iraq who are profiting from the skilful youngster.
      Back in September, he was called up to their U23 team for the first time.
      A month later, he starred as captain in a 2-2 draw against Lebanon – scoring his first goal.
      According to reports, the Iraq Football Association are desperate for Iqbal to commit his future to the national team.
      Back in August, England manager Gareth Southgate stressed the importance of incorporating more British South Asian players in the game.
      “Sometimes the Asian voice has been lost in the anti-discrimination argument,” Southgate said
      “And when you look at the percentages of the population that we’re talking about, it’s high numbers. Frankly, it’s a big talent pool that we’re missing within football. We don’t have high numbers of English-qualified players playing anyway, clubs in their academies are always searching for talent.
      “It’s like in any business. If you’re only selecting from a smaller section of the population, then what are you missing?
      Iqbal became the first British South Asian to play for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      As a practicing Muslim, Iqbal is hoping to be a role modelCredit: PA
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      “What I’ve noticed with the England team in recent seasons is that dynamic in terms of the supporters coming up to me has changed a lot, far more Asian people, coming up to me, talking about their pride in the team, talking about the diversity of the team
      “That could only be even more powerful if someone from the Asian community was in the team as well, and we had that greater representation across the board.”
      Could Iqbal be the trailblazer to make that break through? Manchester United fans will certainly hope so.
      Man United’s Charlie Savage becomes the latest football son with a very famous father! More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City starlet James McAtee has been likened to David Silva and slipped through the net of crosstown rivals Man Utd

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY wonderkid James McAtee could be the next teenage star to follow Phil Foden’s path into Pep Guardiola’s first team.The 19-year-old midfielder is earning rave reviews from academy coaches – earning the nickname the ‘Salford Silva’.
      James McAtee is set to follow Phil Foden’s path into Man City’s first teamCredit: Getty
      Back in November, McAtee made his Premier League debut against EvertonCredit: Getty
      His skill set, quick feet, an ability to keep possession, and perfectly executed through balls mirror David Silva, who graced the Etihad for ten years until moving to Real Sociedad in 2020.
      McAtee made his first team debut for the club earlier this campaign, coming on as a sub in the 6-1 demolition of Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
      While back in November he appeared in the Premier League against Everton.
      But, if Manchester United hadn’t let him go, he could have been appearing at Old Trafford instead.
      RED DEVILS REGRET
      Across town, there’s some rumblings among the Red Devils’ coaching staff about how McAtee slipped through the cracks.
      When he was 11, the talent played in red alongside his older brother John, who now turns out for Grimsby Town.
      But when Manchester United decided to release John their father – who played rugby league for St Helens – pulled James out of their academy.
      United’s loss was City’s gain, who welcomed him with open arms to their youth set up.
      And he has progressed through the ranks all the way to the EDS side, also known as the U23’s, and the first team.
      In that time, he has also been recognised at international level – playing for both England’s U18 side and U20’s.
      KNOWS WHERE THE NET IS
      This campaign, McAtee’s shown a real knack for scoring goals.
      This season, McAtee has shown a knack for scoring goals for the U23 sideCredit: PA
      McAtee has 16 goals in 17 games this seasonCredit: Getty
      The numbers really speak for themselves. Eleven in 12 in Premier League 2, four in three Uefa Youth League matches and one in two for the EFL Trophy side.
      In some quarters he’s been called the best player at U23 level at the moment, with his form putting him into Guardiola’s first team thoughts.
      Manchester City Elite Development Squad’s manager Brian Barry Murphy is impressed with his work ethic and desire to improve.
      “I’ve seen a real hunger from him to develop his goal scoring, and drifting towards that goal,” he told Goal.
      “He is a very, very talented player and a very creative player.
      “I think it’s very early in his development. He wants to score goals to support the team and work alongside his team-mates, but understanding he has a special set of qualities that will allow him to score goals and create goals.
      “He’s very focused on improving that, which is intriguing me.”
      BUT CITY COULD LOSE HIM
      At the moment there’s plenty of talk of McAtee going out on loan for first team experience in the Championship this January
      While last summer it was reported that Brighton had a bid of £8million turned down for the playmaker, which was denied by City.
      Either way, City will be looking to tie their promising kid to a long-term contract.
      Academy coaches have nicknamed McAtee the ‘Salford Silva’Credit: Getty
      Man City will be desperate to tie McAtee down to a long contract with rival clubs interestedCredit: Alamy
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      Currently, his deal expires in the summer of 2023, and Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona are said to be keeping a watchful eye on developments.
      But, being a boyhood City fan, it is hoped that McAtee will be bide his time, work hard, and wait for his opportunity.
      The ball is well and truly in his court.
      Pep Guardiola slams Kyle Walker for his needless red card in Leipzig More

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      in Soccer

      Barcelona kid Gavi, 17, has been likened to legend Xavi and is now Spain’s youngest ever international

      by

      BARCELONA kid Gavi, 17, has already gone down in the record books.When Luis Enrique named him in his first eleven in the Nations League semi final against Italy, he became Spain’s youngest ever international.
      Barcelona wonderkid Gavi provided a star turn against Bayern Munich as a subCredit: AFP
      Midfielder Gavi has been tipped as the next Xavi at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      “It was his first game with Spain, but we already knew all about him,” Luis Enrique said after the game.
      “It’s not normal that he plays like that [at 17]. He’s a player with personality, enviable physical conditions and he plays our style of football. He plays like he’s at school or in his garden at home.
      “It’s a pleasure to have a player with that quality and character with us. We can say that he’s the national team’s present, not [just] the future.”
      And he deserved his bow for his country, after emerging on the scene at Camp Nou.
      Barcelona may have been on the receiving end of Champions League thumpings at home to Bayern Munich and away against Benfica, but Gavi is getting a valuable lesson in game time.
      The struggling LaLiga club have seen an opportunity to bleed a youngster that’s going to be integral to their success moving forward, as their fortunes suffer on the pitch.
      In the 59th minute against Bayern, boss Ronald Koeman brought teen wonderkid Gavi, 17, on for stalwart Sergio Busquets.
      15 minutes later, the attacking midfielder tried to burst through the Germans defence before he was expertly stopped by Dayot Upamecano. However, the potential was there to see and the crowd responded every time he touched the ball.
      On Wednesday, Gavi became his country’s youngest ever internationalCredit: Getty
      Perhaps he was lucky to stay on the field after consecutive fouls on Thomas Muller and Dayot Upamecano, but fans were already buoyed by what they had seen.
      Gavi, who has been likened to Spain legend Xavi, is the future of Barça’s and Spain’s midfield.
      ARRIVED FROM BETIS
      Although he already appears to have the Barcelona style of play engrained in his DNA, he didn’t join La Masia until he was 11.
      Originally from Los Palacios y Villafrance, some 18 miles outside of Seville, Gavi’s technical ability made him a standout.
      He played for Real Betis, scoring 96 goals in youth football, and getting scouted by Villarreal, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
      But in 2005, it was Barcelona who convinced the talent his future belonged at the Nou Camp.
      Gavi, playing against Real Madrid as a kid, signed for Barcelona aged 11Credit: Instagram / @pablogavi10
      Gavi played last season in a mask after breaking his jawCredit: Getty
      “He is so technically gifted,” his former La Masia coach Franc Artiga told Goal.
      “He is capable of changing a what he is about to do in tenths of a second, and improvising under any circumstance of the game.
      “It is very difficult to find a player with these abilities, and with this speed of execution.”
      Gavi rose through the ranks and skipped U18 football to go straight into the U19 team last term.
      “Physically, this year he has evolved a lot,” Artiga said.
      “He has made the change and is now a very strong player.
      “This physique complements his technical quality and decision making. He now has the quality to protect the ball. His lower body helps him and has made him more competitive in the youth teams.”
      ‘HYPERCOMPETITIVE’
      As was proven by his over-eagerness in the tackle against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, Gavi’s competitive nature can get the best of him in the pitch.
      “He  is hypercompetitive,” Artiga revealed.
      “He is one of the most competitive players I know. That is something you have to stabilise.
      “He has improved a lot in the control of his emotions. He is always on top of them, while keeping a winning mentality until the last minute. He still, though, has room for improvement in this.”
      Last season, Gavi appeared for the Barcelona B team twice before he was promoted to the first team for this summer’s preseason friendlies.
      It was against VfB Stuttgart in a 3-0 friendly win, where he earned comparisons to ex-Barcelona star Xavi.
      So far, he has already appeared seven times for the Catalans in LaLiga.
      Gavi’s cameo against Bayern Munich had fans on their feetCredit: Rex
      Competitive Gavi does sometimes let his emotions get the better of him on the football pitchCredit: Getty

      But, they do want to ease him in gentle. After all, there is the belief he will be gracing the Nou Camp for years to come.
      Artiga divulged: “He plays and executes on instinct. More experience will help him be able to read the game, and not act so much on instinct.
      “We have to be patient, we have to let him reach certain objectives.
      “If we do things well and have a good environment, we will have Gavi for many years.”
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