Gavi talks Lamine, Messi, Alvarez, Oyarzabal, World Cup: ‘Even at 60%, he’s still the best’

Gavi talks Lamine, Messi, Alvarez, Oyarzabal, World Cup: ‘Even at 60%, he’s still the best’ FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi has once again admitted he would welcome Julian Alvarez to Camp Nou, describing the Argentine as a top-class player while also insisting that every footballer should choose the club where they feel happiest. The Spain international shared his thoughts during an interview with Tot Gira on Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT ), where he discussed both the World Cup and Barcelona’s transfer plans. Gavi welcomes move Asked about Barcelona’s search for a new centre-forward, Gavi made no secret of his admiration for the Atletico Madrid striker and insisted he would welcome him to the club, as he had done in another interview earlier in the day . “He’s a brilliant player; if Julián wants to come, I hope he does,” Gavi said. Gavi would welcome Julian Alvarez to Barcelona. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) “Every player has to be happy wherever he is, and if that’s at Barça, he’s welcome – I’d love it.” Oyarzabal Should Stay at Real Sociedad Gavi was also asked about Spain teammate Mikel Oyarzabal, another player who has been mentioned as a possible Barcelona target. The midfielder believes the Real Sociedad captain is unlikely to leave. “Oyarzabal wants to be a legend at Real. He’s happy there and wants to stay at his club forever,” said Gavi. Praise for Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi Gavi also spoke highly of Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, who has become one of the stars of the tournament. “He’s just an 18-year-old kid; he’s become a role model, and he proves it on the field. As long as he stays calm, everything will go well. Even at 60% he’s still the best; Lamine makes all the difference,” said Gavi in praise of the teenager. Gavi also hailed Lamine Yamal as the best. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) The Barcelona midfielder also hailed Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, insisting the Argentine remains the greatest player in football history. “Leo is the best of all time, and he proves it despite his age. It’s amazing because he’s 39, but he looks 10 years younger. He’s still just as fast in tight spaces.” Focused on the World Cup Amidst all this, Gavi stressed that his main priority is helping Spain progress in the World Cup as they get set to face Portugal in the Round of 16. “Portugal are one of the favourites; they have magnificent players, and I think they’re the team most similar to us. We have to stick together to beat them,” he said. The 21-year-old, who returned to action against Austria after losing his starting place earlier in the tournament, insisted every member of the squad has an important role to play. “We’ll all play an important role; the World Cup is a long tournament, so we have to be mentally prepared for when it’s my turn. The important thing is to win.”