Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
With kid Gavi Spain could go all the way
BEST player I’ve seen at the World Cup? Spanish midfielder Gavi.
Look back at all the experts’ pre-tournament predictions and I don’t think you’ll find a single one tipping Spain to win the tournament.
But unless opponents can find a way to nullify teenager Gavi (above, left), and his Barcelona sidekick Pedri (above), they are going to be contenders.
I thought Spain were one of the best teams at the Euros last year – maybe even the best – and they were unlucky to go out on penalties in the semi-finals against Italy.
Gavi’s brilliant volley in the 7-0 rout of Costa Rica made him the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pele in 1958.
The 18-year-old is an exciting talent – and Spain aren’t going to stay under the radar much longer.