MY ACCOUNT
Liverpool are looking to add yet another wonderkid to their ever-growing collection.
The Reds are reportedly interested in Barcelona maestro Gavi, 17, and buoyed by his contract situation in Catalonia.
With Thiago Alcantara now 31, it would certainly be an ideal time to bring in an apprentice to learn from the midfield master.
Ahead of the Merseysiders’ Champions League semi-final first-leg clash with Villarreal tonight, we take a look at why La Masia graduate Gavi could be set to succeed another of Barca’s alumni.
Timing is everything
Gavi has just over 12 months left on his existing deal at Camp Nou.
The Spain international is believed to have turned down three extension offers already — and the limited room within Barcelona’s budget means they are unable to break the bank to retain their young midfielder.
Barca recently tied Pedri down to a long-term deal and reports suggest they are set to be active in the market this summer, with a number of free transfers ready to be finalised.
To improve the squad, they may have to sacrifice Gavi to release the necessary funds.
Liverpool have the budget, the pull and a role for Gavi. These situations rarely come around and the Reds should look to capitalise.
The seal of approval
Xavi knows a thing or two about pulling strings in midfield as a key cog in one of the most dominant sides of all time.
Heaping praise on Gavi, the Camp Nou icon said: “He’s very good at recovering possession, taking the ball away from the opponents. He’s very competitive. He understands the high press very well — he’s excellent at that.
“He turns very well when we want to play in between the lines. He’s an incredible talent and a joy to coach.
“At 17, to already have made such an impact and play with the national side is marvellous.”
If someone as talented as Xavi is discussing Gavi in such glowing terms, you know you are onto a winner.
Passing the torch
Liverpool have evolved this season.
On paper, it is still very much the 4-3-3 that Jurgen Klopp has remained loyal to since moving to England — but there have been tweaks.
For example, the right-sided midfielder pushes on to effectively make it a front four. The defensive midfielder and the left-sided midfielder then shuffle over to create a double pivot.
Thiago has impressed in this system.
He attempts more passes per 90 minutes than anyone in the team and regularly sets the tempo with his precise yet progressive distribution.
The issue for the Reds, however, is that they do not have another player like that within their ranks. When the ex-Bayern Munich man is not in the side, they can look a little blunt, more chaotic and somewhat disjointed.
The Merseysiders need someone who is competent and confident in possession — a risk-taker who is also fairly frugal on the ball.
Gavi ticks all of those boxes.
Jack of all trades, master of all
Klopp loves a versatile player.
Most of the Liverpool squad can play a variety of roles and that is what makes them so dangerous. They can make subtle in-game changes without their manager needing to make a substitution.
Gavi is multiple players rolled into one.
He has featured on either side of a midfield three this season for Barcelona as well as operating on both flanks. The Seville native has not just done a job there either, catching the eye no matter where he is deployed.
In theory, Gavi would fit perfectly into this interchangeable Liverpool team.
Long-term planning
At 17, Gavi is very much a signing for the future as much as he is for the present.
His arrival could help prolong Thiago’s time with the club, too, with Liverpool able to manage his minutes without the team suffering.
Barca’s No30 can share the left-sided central midfield role with his compatriot in the short-term before eventually succeeding him.
With Gavi on that side and Harvey Elliott on the right, Liverpool could have two-thirds of their midfield sorted for the next decade.
