Barcelona midfielder Gavi has been presented the Kopa Trophy at a lavish ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the top performing player under the age of 21, and has been won by the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt and Pedri since its inception in 2018.
Collecting the Kopa Trophy means Gavi of 18 years old has been recognized as the world’s best young player.
Below are why he is a worthy winner of the Kopa Trophy:
1. He is a regular performer
Gavi has been a mainstay for Barcelona in the 2021-22 season, making a total of 48 appearances across all competitions. His impressive performance saw him be a part of the 10-man shortlist announced in August.
After picking up the prize off his team-mate Pedri, the Spain international said: “It’s an honour to receive this prize and to all the people who have been there in the good and bad times. Thanks to all of those who have played a part in helping me to this award.”
I try to give the best of myself at all times. I try to carry myself in the best way.”
Gavi wins the award after taking European football by storm last season. Still a Barça Juvenil A player, he was given a chance by Ronald Koeman in preseason and more than took advantage of it, quickly becoming a fixture of the first team and earning a call-up to Luis Enrique’s Spanish national team where he’s become a regular starter.
Even with Koeman’s sacking Gavi continued to rise up the ranks at Barça and is now a full starter under Xavi Hernández and one of the key pieces of the club’s future having just signed a four-year extension.
2. His talent is appreciated better
He’s a very good player who I think is highly talented. A toxic player. He brings a certain terrier component with him. He made many games for Barcelona.
Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern Munich coach
He is obviously an outstanding player whose talent stands taller than other nominees.
3. He is in a better football community.
The parlance “being at the right place at the right time” works magic for Gavi. He is at a place that helps him to showcase his talents to the world with an advantage of the ground he is standing on.
It is only natural to say that there would be better player of his age that are not talked about because of where they are standing. This is not politics, it is reality, it is life.
