Wednesday’s player of the day: Gavi follows in the footsteps of Pele

Gavi became Spain's youngest-ever goalscorer at a World Cup finals after netting his side's fifth goal in the 7-0 routing of the Central Americans.

In doing so, the 18-year-old is now also the youngest player to score a World Cup goal since Brazil icon Pele - aged 17 at the time - netted back in 1958.

The Spaniard, lining up with fellow midfield prospect Pedri, put in a player-of-the-match performance and displayed maturity and confidence that far exceeds his young age.

In what was a straightforward afternoon for Spain, Gavi dictated the game and was involved at some stage in a number of goals throughout the afternoon, before smashing home a tremendous volley of his own into the bottom corner past a helpless Keylor Navas.

Speaking after the game, the Barça man even showed maturity in his ability to handle the press.

"I'm happy for the accomplishments but what I really care about is that we won and played a great game, let's move forward.

"Of course, it's an honour to be second in this list and it's something that makes me really happy."

The Barcelona starlet is already the youngest player to ever represent Spain's national team when he made his debut against Italy back in October 2021, just two months after turning 17. Months later he became Spain's youngest-ever goalscorer.

In 1958, a 17-year-old Pele went on to score six goals during the tournament, spearheading Brazil to their first-ever World Cup triumph. Are we about to see history repeat itself with Gavi and Spain?

Fate may not be to everyone's tastes, but Spain manager Luis Enrique was certainly happy to shower the plaudits on his new maestro.

"He's a unique player, a very different player because he's 18 years old but he has the personality of an experienced player," Enrique said.

"We're happy to have him in the team and we think he's going to be one of the stars of world football."