[ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have a striker that scores 30 goals a season,\u201d said coach Luiz Enrique afterwards expressing more relief in his happiness that the goals came from all across his positions. Enrique should know, he\u2019s seen the worst of such times as a player for Spain. After perhaps Italy, who are not here, Spain are among the worst starters among world football\u2019s elite. They make heavy weather of opening games in a manner that beggars belief, often derailing their campaign as they play catch-up. People are already predicting a drought from now on.
In one of the Spanish pyramids that formed on Wednesday, Pedro found himself buried under, because he too had scored \u2013 a stunning volley struck on the run with the outside of his right foot that screamed control and accuracy. It was emblematic of the complete domination of Spain enjoyed over the Costa Ricans.
Gavi is the tempest to the Pedri calm. It is perhaps the new avatar of the long-gone Iniesta-Xavi combine of an erstwhile majestic Spain that heightened our senses a decade ago and spoilt us for all time. Interpret and accept it at your own aesthetic capacity, but this is the version that likes to set its own terms \u2013 Pedri the old-fashioned ball player, pass master; younger Gavi, the more physical high-press storm, but with a flair that harks back to the old school. \u201cPedri and I are very good friends off the pitch and on the pitch there is not much to say. He\u2019s a spectacular player and it\u2019s very easy to play alongside him,\u201d our hero would say. It reminded us of the time when Gavi was awarded the Young Player of the Year, and the nervous youngster was being urged by the calmer partner to walk the red carpet, as it was his moment but Gavi wanted Pedri to accompany him.
A shirt number 30 for Barcelona, Gavi\u2019s is a most unlikely upgrade to No 9 for Spain, since his a more recovery minded role once they lose possession during the high press, and complementing the more vision-blessed Pedri. The scoring intent is usually secondary, here he is being encouraged to make it the main thing. \u201cThe coach is always telling me to come more into the box, and not be afraid to shoot,\u201d he explained later.
\u201cSo, when I saw Morata\u2019s ball coming back from the other side, I knew I had to run and shoot.\u201d The strike would make him the youngest player since Pele to score at a World Cup, it would also make the world sit up and take notice at the sudden explosion of power that a usually sleep-inducing Spain can unleash. It was also good enough to earn him the man of the match despite the fact that Ferran Torres had got two goals. \u201cYes, I know about the Pele thing,\u2019 Gavi would say later, \u201cSomeone told me after the match. I am very happy to score my first goal, and also happy we began so well.\u201d
As talk predictably focussed on whether he understood the moments that he was living, his coach offered some caution. \u201cHe\u2019s already a man playing at this level,\u201d Enrique would say, \u201cHe\u2019s unique, a very different player because he offers us many options. We\u2019re happy to have him in the team.\u201d
\u201cSometimes we forget he is just a boy. Maybe sometimes he has to remember too. I hope he will go and play every time better and try to be aggressive with the ball and without the ball. He just needs a little of calm and poise at times. It will come too. He\u2019s just a little boy, still. These moments that he is living are special,\u201d the wizened, much-travelled Enrique reminded us.
Asked what he thought of these moments and the realisation that they were special, something which Messi<\/a> had said a couple of days back that he had missed preserving them as a prodigious teen, Gavi said, \u201cKoke keeps telling me I will realise much later in my career what I am doing and living right now.\u201d
\u201cHe\u2019s 18 but has the personality of an experienced player. We think he\u2019s going to be one of the stars of world football,\u201d Enrique would also add. Like the rest of the world, we would all nod along. <\/div>\n