Spain's U-19 team will play their first match of the U-19 European Championship against Wales on Sunday. AS interviewed Gavi, who is currently training with Spain's U-19 squad.

You've already made your debut with Barcelona's first team in the competitive Champions League. Do you feel pressure playing in this U-19 European Championship?

Pressure is normal for this team. In fact, it's a good thing. It pushes us to constantly raise our standards. The U-19 European Championship is a very important competition, and I know my role in the team well. We'll do everything we can to fight for the title.

Let's talk about the U-19 European Championship later. First, let's look back at your experiences from last year. What did you think of your debut against Newcastle?

It was really exciting—everything happened so fast. While I was warming up, I didn't expect it would happen so quickly when my turn came, but suddenly I was on the pitch. Even though I only played 7 minutes, I was incredibly excited. It's a dream for me. Growing up at Barcelona and getting a debut appearance in such an important match, like the Champions League knockout stage, is truly unbelievable. Gordon was on my wing at the time, but I didn't directly mark him (laughs).

What did Flick say to you at that moment? He also told you that you're similar to Lahm.

Everything happened so quickly at that time, and there wasn't time to talk much. He gave me just two very clear instructions: believe in yourself and play more calmly. Carlo, I'm very grateful for such a comparison. Lahm is a great player, and it's an honor for me.

Some believe you have the potential to become the "new Kimmich"—the best combination of a right-back and midfielder. Which position do you prefer to play?

I like both positions and have adapted to both roles. I play as a midfielder for Spain and as a right-back for Barcelona. But since Barcelona is a possession-based team, even when I play as a right-back, I feel involved in the midfield structure, and I'm very comfortable in this position.

How did this versatility develop?

It probably started when I was in Barcelona's Juvenil A (U-16) team. I always played in midfield, but at that time both right-backs were injured, and the coaching staff wanted to try me there. In that system, the defenders often moved inside to join the central structure, and I felt comfortable playing there. As matches continued, I gradually settled into that position. Later, when the team needed me, I was also able to go back to midfield.

Who are your role models in both positions?

As a Barcelona player, I've been fortunate to grow up in a team that values midfielders with many top players in that position. I grew up watching Busquets play and have always observed his performances.

But he doesn't seem comfortable playing as a right-back.

That position isn't ideal for him. As for right-back, I really like Roberto. He also has that combination of midfielder and right-back qualities. I'm also now training with Pedri, and he's a truly special player.

Belletti was your coach in the Youth A team and was also a top right-back. What advice did he give you to improve your skills?

He frequently guided me, particularly on defense, based on his own experience. As a right-back, he always said the most important thing is to defend your flank well and make the opposition prefer to attack from the other side. If the opposition chooses to avoid your flank, that's the best outcome.

As an academy player who has come up to the first team, how did you feel when you saw peers like Yamal and Cubarsí making their debuts?

It helped me a lot. I've known them since La Masia. When you enter the first team's dressing room and there are familiar faces, it feels completely different. They help integrate you into the team and give you more confidence. I've learned a lot from them. Carl, generally everyone supports me a lot.

If they were also in Spain's U-19 team, this U-19 European Championship would be even easier for you.

You can see the strength of this generation of players. But they have other commitments, and our team is also very good. Our goal is clear: to win the U-19 European Championship. We've proven at the highest levels that we have the ability to do so.

Gallardo wants you to play as No. 6 in Spain's U-19 team and also sees you as one of the dressing room leaders. What does he ask from you?

Yes, the coach knows well what position he wants me to play. Carl, if I'm needed to play as a right-back, I'll follow the system. Regarding leadership, there are some players with more experience in the first team, and that matters. But what's more important is that those of us who have been with the national team longer need to help the new players and create a good team environment for the U-19 European Championship. Although the team has many Real Madrid players, everyone works well together.

What are your plans after the U-19 European Championship? Does Flick want you to participate in the pre-season training?

Right now I'm focused only on the U-19 European Championship. After that, if I need to go directly to pre-season training, I'll be ready. But at the moment, all my energy is on Spain's U-19 team. We'll see about other matters later.

Right-back is currently one of Barcelona's weaker positions. Do you think you'll have the opportunity to play this season and help the team?

Those aren't things I can decide. We'll see what happens next season when the time comes. I'm not worried. My goal right now is to focus on this U-19 European Championship.

Who is your most frequent teammate in this Spain U-19 squad?

Juniént—I've known him since we were very young. He's an excellent player and plays in midfield. We have good understanding. Although he hasn't made his first-team debut yet, he has the quality to do so.

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