Gavi’s Barcelona season stalls as midfield competition intensifies

Gavi is enduring one of the most difficult periods of his career at Barcelona, apart from the 18 months he missed after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 22-year-old has started only two matches since the beginning of the current season and has spent most of the campaign watching from the substitutes’ bench. His situation worsened when he was left unused in Barcelona’s past two games, against Real Madrid in El Clasico and Deportivo Alaves.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that Gavi’s position is increasingly concerning, particularly when compared with the other Barcelona first-team players who have made fewer minutes than him.

Only four players have featured less than Gavi so far this season: Alejandro Balde, with 116 minutes; Frenkie de Jong, with 98; Brian Farinas, with 90; and Roony Bardghji, who has not played at all. Gavi has accumulated 191 minutes, a figure that appears limited for a player of his ability and potential.

The midfielder’s uncertain status was also evident during the 2026 World Cup. He started Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde but disappeared from the starting line-up for the games that followed.

A similar pattern has developed at club level. Gavi made his first official start of the season against Elche on 23 August, in a match Barcelona won 5-0. He formed a midfield partnership with Marc Bernal during that game.

However, he did not start again until almost two months later, when Barcelona faced Getafe. The Catalan club won that match 3-0, with Rodri alongside Gavi in midfield.

Competition for places is particularly strong in the areas of the pitch where Gavi can operate. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has several alternatives in the defensive midfield role, including Rodri and Bernal. In the more advanced midfield position, Gavi is competing primarily with Fermin Lopez, Pedri and Dani Olmo.

Despite Gavi’s limited involvement, Flick has continued to demonstrate his faith in the player. The German regularly praises him and speaks positively about his qualities during press conferences.

The upcoming fixtures are likely to provide a clearer indication of Flick’s plans and the role Gavi will occupy for the rest of the season. Barcelona are scheduled to face Aston Villa in the Champions League on 03 November 2026, with the match potentially offering another indication of where the midfielder stands within the squad.