Spain's attack stalls, but injuries could revive Gavi's World Cup role

Spain topped their World Cup group, yet the team’s attack has sputtered, and midfielder Gavi of Barcelona has seen his minutes dwindle after a promising debut against Cape Verde. Despite his eight direct pressures, he was omitted from subsequent matches, leaving his future role uncertain. Spain might have advanced to the knockout stages after finishing first in their group. However, the side has been far from their usual best and are clearly not clicking offensively. Gavi, the Barcelona midfielder, was a surprise last‑minute pick by coach Luis de la Fuente, a selection that many considered deserved. He entered the tournament after being one of Barcelona’s most in‑form players during the final stretch of the campaign. De la Fuente named Gavi in the starting eleven for the opening match against Cape Verde, deploying him as a left winger wearing the number nine. Gavi logged 71 minutes and recorded eight direct pressures, the highest total in that game.

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Despite the energetic display, Gavi has not featured after the Cape Verde game. He now trails only young striker Hamza Abdelkarim among Barcelona players in minutes played at the tournament. With Spain in the Round of 32 against Austria, both Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams are set to be unavailable, creating a potential opening for Gavi. The midfielder has expressed determination not to let any opportunity pass him by.

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Coach Luis de la Fuente still has other attacking options, including Barcelona teammate Dani Olmo, who appears to be Spain’s best bet for finding the right formula in the attack. Olmo’s involvement underscores the coach’s flexibility as he balances squad depth. The contrast between Spain’s collective offensive struggles and Gavi’s personal quest for minutes highlights the uncertainty ahead. If injuries persist, Gavi could return, but the final decision rests with de la Fuente.