With Rodri officially ruled out of Friday evening’s La Liga summit clash with Atletico Madrid due to a thigh injury suffered against Aston Villa, Flick will have to make a decision. Frenkie De Jong and 19-year-old Marc Bernal are seen as the most likely candidates to start in the 4-2-3-1 system alongside Pedri, but one player is quickly coming onto the radar: Gavi.
The 22-year-old has been handed fewer minutes in recent weeks, but is becoming a strong candidate to start. His attributes can provide the Blaugrana with a huge advantage.
Physicality against Diego Simeone
Whenever Barcelona play against Diego Simeone’s side, it’s unlikely that it’ll be a clean possession battle. You need physicality, second ball dominance and tactical discipline. Gavi can bring a real physical edge to the game.
By starting Gavi alongside Pedri, Barcelona will have a physical element to their pressing. He can run around, win back the ball tirelessly and put pressure on Atletico’s midfielders such as Pablo Barrios and Koke who will be coming back into the team. No midfielder enjoys a scrap more than Barcelona’s No. 6 in tough games.
Chemistry with Pedri
There’s no risk in starting Gavi in such a hostile environment, because he’s already done it. He thrives under pressure.
Gavi played brilliantly in this ground last season, playing 81 minutes in Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Atletico in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter finals. He also has great chemistry with Pedri. The two have known each other since they were teenagers and the duo formed the perfect double pivot for Barcelona to win a title decider against Real Madrid.
No matter if Flick believes De Jong, Bernal or Gavi is the right choice, Gavi will play a key role for Barcelona on Friday night as they aim to get five points ahead at the top of La Liga.
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