Barcelona see 20-year-old La Masia graduate as future club captain - Reports

Barcelona have reportedly identified academy graduate Gavi as a future club captain following his development over the years. The Spanish midfielder is sidelined with a knee injury, having ruptured his ACL in November on international duty.

Gavi came through Barca's famed La Masia academy set-up and understands the club's values to the core. The 20-year-old midfielder had taken on the role of a leader at the club before his injury last season. Similarly, his personality has shone through with the national team, and he was in Berlin to support them during their 2-1 Euro 2024 final win over England.

The Athletic says that Barcelona hierarchy firmly believe that Gavi will be the club captain some day due to his leadership qualities. As a teenager, he was quick to own up to his mistakes and also didn't shy away from media duties.

The report detailed how the youngster was once asked by former manager Xavi to speak with some players about their performances, and he did. The midfielder is widely respected at the club despite his young age, as was evidenced by Robert Lewandowski bemoaning his absence last season.

Barcelona are now being captained by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, and none of the club's academy graduates are among the captains this season.

That comes after a long line of captains from La Masia that included Carles Puyol, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto. Gavi may be the next La Masia graduate to captain the club and seems to be on the right path.

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Barcelona receive massive boost as Gavi joins team training

Barcelona have been handed a huge boost after the international break as highly rated midfielder Gavi has resumed team training. The youngster has spent the last nine months on the sidelines following surgery to repair damage to his meniscus.

Gavi joined the squad on the first day of training after the international break, suggesting that he could be closing in on a return to full fitness. He was joined by fellow academy graduate Ansu Fati, who has recovered from a plantar fasciitis injury, in training.

Barcelona have won all four of their league matches to lead the standings and are set to face Girona on Sunday. A Culer through and through, Gavi will be pleased with how his side have begun the season under new boss Hansi Flick. The midfielder could be set to return in October.