It wasn’t the best night for Gavi, yet his talent as a footballer remains undeniable, whether wearing the Barça jersey or the Spanish national team. The Catalan midfielder is adapting to Luis de la Fuente’s fresh plan, a tactical shift that aims to redefine how Spain presses and builds from the back. From the very first whistle, the coach signaled that this squad should embody his imprint, shaping a team that moves with greater purpose and cohesion. Against Norway, those new ideas were on display, hinting at a more flexible approach that could suit multiple formations and roles as the season unfolds. This strategic evolution marks a clear departure from the Luis Enrique era, with more emphasis on collective dynamics and positional fluidity that can maximize Spain’s attacking potential.
It wasn’t strictly a 4-3-3, but rather a compact 4-1-4-1 where Gavi starts near the left fl ank and drifts inside as Balde presses forward. This is a familiar pattern for him, echoing the ways he has been deployed for Barcelona in recent matches, where his energy and speed catalyze quick transitions. The Barcelona talent brought his usual vigor to the game, yet a sense of continuity in his performances remained elusive, as he sought the right rhythm within the national system. The tempo mattered, and so did the timing of his runs, both of which are crucial as Spain experiments with new lanes of attack and defensive coverage.
Spain crushes Norway, where Joselu activates plan B
Gavi showed aggression in the offensive phase and was generous with assists, but he did not translate that pressure into a consistent scoring threat. His comfort zone typically lies in tighter spaces and higher tempo, and in this shift he found those conditions only intermittently. The absence of Busquets and Pedri’s usual midfield support added another layer of challenge, making it harder for Gavi to anchor the buildup and influence the final third in the way he does with Barça. Still, the effort was evident, underscoring his willingness to adapt to a new system and contribute to the collective mandate—whether through dribbles, pulls, or timely passes that unlocked Norway’s defense marker by marker. This adaptation is a reminder that international football can demand different instincts from a player who thrives in club contexts.
Prior to this match, the coaching staff reshuffled the squad, inserting players such as Merino, Aspas, and Rodri as midfield reinforcers. Rodri returned from a defensive role during the World Cup cycle and offered solidity in front of the back line, while Merino and Aspas provided additional texture in the attack. Gavi’s role emerged as a focal point in these changes, as De la Fuente sought to balance youth with experience and create competition for places across the midfield. The early substitutions reflected a tactical calculus—each move aimed at strengthening the link between defense and attack, and at testing how different combinations perform when the pace of European qualifiers intensifies. The square of options behind the striker deepened the supply lines and encouraged faster decision-making in the center of the park.
What remains to be clarified is how De la Fuente will shape Gavi’s path in the next fixtures. Will the young Catalan be anchored deeper in certain games to provide ball recovery and tempo control, or will he be encouraged to roam and generate chaotic moments that destabilize opponents? The signs from this match are intriguing: the manager’s early roster choices signal a willingness to lean on Gavi as a dynamic pivot, while also ensuring that the team does not become over-reliant on a single identity. The truth is that Gavi’s versatility is a valuable asset, and it may take a few more outings for him to settle into the precise role the coach envisions, especially in environments where every pass matters and every decision is scrutinized by the national audience.
As the game advanced, Joselu emerged as the unlikely hero, delivering a decisive performance that steadied the result and reinforced the idea that De la Fuente is building a flexible system with multiple scoring options. The coaching staff’s changes injected fresh energy and created a sense of momentum that carried Spain to a comfortable victory. Even with Gavi operating in a more angular, shifting position, the team demonstrated resilience and a willingness to adapt under pressure. This evolution suggests a bright horizon for the squad, with Gavi as a potential catalyst who could grow into different roles depending on the opponent and the tactical plan.
Gavi left La Rosaleda amid applause for a debut by the new coach that signaled more than a win. The victory was achieved not through a single star but through collective response—an early statement of De la Fuente’s intent to redefine Spain’s identity. The suggestions from this match point toward a broader strategy: cultivate depth, encourage experimentation, and foster a methodology that can sustain high performance across competitions. It is a framework that positions Spain to compete with a clear sense of purpose, with Gavi at the core of a dynamic midfield that can adapt as the team grows under the new regime. As the season continues, both the player and the squad will be watched closely to gauge how the plan translates into consistent results across different conditions and foes. This alignment marks a turning point for a national team eager to reclaim its style and solidity on the world stage, with Gavi’s evolution mirroring the team’s broader ambitions — a modern Spain ready to compete with intelligence and heart. (Source attribution: sports desk reports)