Barcelona manager Xavi was left "speechless" after 18-year-old midfielder Gavi produced a Player of the Match performance in their Supercopa de Espana win over Real Madrid.
The talented Golden Boy winner, who became the youngest player ever to score in a Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, was at his scintillating best as Barca came out 3-1 winners.
In fact, the Spaniard was involved in all three goals with either a defence-splitting pass or a composed finish past one of the world's best goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
From running rings around Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde, to completing 43 passes, including two assists with his so-called 'weak' foot. Many people are calling this a "world-class" performance.
It's certainly hard to disagree with that statement. Gavi, who has featured in 28 games for club and country this season, completed 88 per cent of his passes on Sunday night, and won all of his tackles and aerial duels.
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Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez waxed lyrically about the teenager in his post-match comments.
Speaking to Marca, he said: “I’m left speechless. He’s pure passion, pure soul. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth when he doesn’t play. He’s contagious for the team and he’s only 18 years old.
“The heart he puts into it is incredible. Gavi is a kid who excites us all. He puts in soul and character and infects the rest of the team with it.
"He is an innate leader and it comes from within. The rage that comes out of him is spectacular. I never tire of praising him. This boy has no ceiling.”
It was Xavi's first piece of silverware as Barcelona boss. After a slow start to life in charge of his former club, it looks like Barca are ready to challenge for the La Liga title, too.
They are currently three points ahead of Real Madrid with 16 games played – and last weekend's outing suggests the Catalan giants have all the necessary ingredients to be crowned champions again.
So how did Sunday's game play out? Well, the brilliant Gavi opened the scoring with 33 minutes on the clock thanks to a Robert Lewandowski assist.
And the Poland international soon made it 2-0, with Gavi returning the favour with a great pass from the left hand side.
Pedri, another player who will no doubt be involved for years to come, made it 3-0 after some fine play from Gavi... again.
And the inevitable Karim Benzema managed to net late on but it was a mere consolation as Barcelona rolled back the years with a trophy win.
Thoughts on Gavi's performance in Saudi Arabia on Sunday?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Gavi, Barcelona, Real Madrid, La Liga, Spain
Jack Kenmare