"Instead of analysing current form or picking the best players available today, Gavi decided to look back. He challenged himself to build a starting XI made up exclusively of teammates he had played alongside during his formative years at Barcelona. The selection was not guided by tactics, status, or present-day performance. It was built from memory, emotion, and shared moments inside the dressing room at La Masia and during his first steps as a professional footballer."
"The midfielder opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation and mixed different generations of academy players with whom he still maintains a close bond. In goal, he chose his close friend Ander Astralaga, a goalkeeper he knows well from their youth-team days. The defensive line also reflected familiarity and affection rather than hierarchy. At right-back, Gavi picked Hector Fort. The centre-back pairing featured Eric Garcia alongside Pau Cubarsi."
"In midfield, the pairing of Nico Gonzalez and Xavi Simons underlined the level of talent that has passed through La Masia in recent years. Interestingly, both Nico and Xavi are currently playing in the Premier League, with the former at Manchester City and the latter playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Ahead of them, Gavi selected a highly creative and attacking trio. Ilias Akhomach occupied the right flank, Lamine Yamal took up the number 10 role, and Ansu Fati started from the left."
Gavi assembled a personal La Masia starting XI drawn solely from teammates he played with during his formative years at Barcelona. He selected a 4-2-3-1 formation mixing different academy generations based on memory, emotion, and shared dressing-room moments. Ander Astralaga was named in goal. The back four comprised Hector Fort, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Juan Larios. The midfield double pivot featured Nico Gonzalez and Xavi Simons. The attacking trio included Ilias Akhomach, Lamine Yamal and Ansu Fati, with Fermin Lopez leading the line as a false nine.
Read at Barca Universal
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