Xavi praises 'born leader' after Supercopa de Espana triumph
Xavi waxed lyrical over young midfield star Gavi's incredible performance in the Supercopa de Espana final against Real Madrid on Sunday,
Gavi became the youngest player ever to score in the Spanish Super Cup by netting against Real with the opener and set up two more for Robert Lewandowski and Pedri as Barca eased to a 3-1 victory.
It's Barca's first trophy under manager Xavi and their first since the departure of Lionel Messi, and Xavi praised the young midfielder after the game.
"He is a kid that excites everyone," Xavi said in a press conference. "When you see him compete like that...the heart, soul and character that he plays with are contagious for the rest of the team.
"He's a born leader, too, that all comes naturally to him at the age of 18. He is spectacular. I have said it many times, but I don't get tired of praising him. He has no ceiling, so don't slow him down."
Xavi added: "We have a really good generation of players and you can see the hunger they have for trophies. I hope this will be a point of inflection as you [the journalist asking] say, but this doesn't stop. On Thursday we have the Copa; next weekend La Liga.
"I am happy for the players, though. They have received a lot of criticism, unfair in many cases, and they were liberated today. It's a massive morale boost and we can work with more peace of mind.
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"It's also important for the fans. This club has seen everything in recent years: financial problems, the departure of Leo [Messi] was big. I hope this will be the first trophy of many."
Barca will look to improve on their three-point lead at the top of La Liga when they return to Spain from Saudi Arabia. They face AD Ceuta in the next round of the Copa del Rey and take on Manchester United in the Europa League play-off round for a spot in the last 16 after dropping out of the Champions League.