Hansi Flick enables 20-year-old Barcelona gem to flourish once again | OneFootball

Many FC Barcelona stars have shown what it’s like to see a player struggle after returning from long injuries. Some players, like Ansu Fati, have still been unable to regain their best version after several injuries began to plague his career. Others, like Pedri, continue to lead Barcelona to the best of their abilities.

However, when it comes to young 20-year-old Gavi, his ACL injury near the end of 2023 was something that left the entire squad worried. Always a strong character, both on the pitch and in the locker room, the young midfielder’s injury was heartbreaking and there were a lot of doubts about how well he would be able to adapt following his return.

Often times, ACL injuries can be quite worrying and difficult to come back properly from. In Gavi’s case, there was some skepticism about just how well could he find a place for himself under Hansi Flick’s order. Ultimately, however, he has managed to dispel all those worries and doubts.

As highlighted by SPORT, Gavi has finally returned to his best level again and is gunning to play full matches once more. So far this season, ever since his return from injury in October of 2024, the player has been used sparingly by the German coach in hopes of protecting him as much as possible.

However, given Gavi’s competitive nature, that has hardly been an easy task for Flick to consistently manage. Yet, he managed to limit the youngster’s minutes and that ultimately ended up being the right plan for him all along. Initially struggling to find his place in makeshift positions, Gavi finally cracked the code as he ended last year with a great performance against Atletico Madrid despite the loss.

Still, he rode that momentum into 2025 and he seems to have finally found his groove again. First came his chance against UD Barbastro in the Copa del Rey, and he finished that game with flying colors after playing the entire second half. Then, in the Spanish Super Cup, he scored a goal against Athletic Club in the semi-final and was excellent once more against Real Madrid in the 5-2 demolition of Los Blancos.

Most recently, against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey again, Gavi was superb. Scoring a goal in the opening minutes and then providing the energy and intensity that Flick’s side needed from him, the Spaniard was simply outstanding.

Now, with games against Getafe, Valencia, and SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League coming up, the Barcelona Golden Boy will undoubtedly be hoping to play a full game for once. He definitely has earned that right, and it is now in Hansi Flick’s hands to give him that chance.