Barça midfield sensation Gavi: I'm fearless on the pitch

Pablo Páez Gavira, aka Gavi, is in the most precious moment of his career so far.

After winning the Golden Boy and Kopa awards, the midfielder is now an indisputable starter for Luis Enrique in the World Cup. He spoke to MARCA before playing the round of 16 against Morocco.

The defeat against Japan

"It wasn't easy at the beginning. We wanted to win, to be first and continue with the good feelings. The coach had warned us that it was the most difficult match and that no matter what we heard, we had to be clear about that. And that's how it was. Then the hours passed and we began to see things differently. We are in the last 16 and there are very good teams that have not been able to make it. That's why we have to really believe that pressure is a privilege".

"We always try to stick to our play style. In that match, we stopped doing that, moving the ball from side to side, something that we do best. We have to learn a lot from that game. I'm sure the group is mature enough to do that.

His current form

"I try to be my usual self, that's all. Everything goes very fast and things happen to me that I couldn't imagine. But I have a lot of people close to me who help me. I know where I am, who I am and where I come from".

"I just go out to play football, to give everything on the pitch. It's true that despite my age, I don't get down on myself, I'm fearless on a football pitch, I just go out to enjoy myself and give it my all. I can't conceive of football in any other way".

Luis Enrique

"What can I say! He's known me for a long time. Anything I say will fall short".

"I agree with the coach when he says that football is a show, a spectacle. We want Spain to be moved by us, to be proud of the way we play. There's only one winner. And we are going to try, but the journey is very important and I am particularly proud when people praise Spain's football".