Barcelona midfield gem back in his element and thriving under Hansi Flick | OneFootball

Barcelona have started 2025 on an emphatic note. The Catalans started the new year with a comprehensive win over Barbastro in the Copa Del Rey.

That was followed by a win over Athletic Club in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup. The club then secured its 15th Super Cup title by beating Real Madrid in the final third.

Barça then moved on to defeat Real Betis in the Round of 16 of the Copa Del Rey.

Throughout this run, one of the key highlights for Barcelona has been the performances of Gavi.

Back in his element?

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Gavi has dispelled any doubts in the Barcelona camp surrounding his fitness by providing a string of impactful results this year.

This renewed form comes on the back of a cautious return to the pitch. Indeed, even after returning from injury, his appearances were initially sporadic, often coming off the bench, which naturally raised questions about his physical condition post-injury.

However, 2025 has seen Gavi not just return but thrive. He has started three consecutive games, a feat not achieved since his injury in November 2023.

Gavi has proven doubters wrong (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The midfielder’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s success in the domestic cup competitions.

In less than a month, Gavi has notched up an assist against Atletico Madrid, followed by both a goal and an assist against Athletic, and another goal against Betis.

Gavi’s impact has been backed by statistics as well. Despite playing fewer minutes this season compared to last, his goal and assist tally matches or exceeds his previous seasons’ numbers.

On the defensive end, Gavi is among the league’s most engaged midfielders, facing 20.91 duels per 90 minutes, ranking seventh, and winning over 8 of these duels on average, placing him eighth.

Gavi’s aggressive play is further highlighted by his lead in fouls committed per 90 minutes at 3.64, significantly ahead of others, with Brais Mendez trailing at 2.34.

On the pitch, Gavi covers the most kilometres per 90 minutes in the first division at 12.46 km, and he does so at a high intensity, ranking third in the league for running between 15 to 20 km/h with 2.27 km.

These are essential elements to how Gavi plays football and credit should be given to Hansi Flick for his strategy to reintegrate the midfielder back into the setup.