Gavi faces his first trial by fire this season in Levante

Gavi could return to the starting lineup against Levante this Saturday on matchday 2 of LaLiga. The Andalusian could be the replacement for Frenkie De Jong, as the Dutchman was not present in the training session prior to the match in Valencia.

The '21' could not attend because his wife is about to give birth, which may precipitate what would be Gavi's first trial by fire this season. Although the season has just begun, the battle for a place in Hansi Flick's lineup will be very tough from start to finish.

Flick counts on Gavi and Casadó as alternatives to De Jong

The '6' entered against RCD Mallorca for Pau Cubarsí in the 69th minute, obtaining a score of 7.1 in portals such as 'Sofascore', being a remarkable rating for the player with only a little more than 20 minutes remaining until the end of the match.

"Gavi and Casadó can play there," Flick said, referring to the possible absence of Frenkie, although he avoided giving details about the Dutchman's situation. However, Pablo Gavi is closer to the characteristics required in midfield to replace the absence of the 28-year-old midfielder thanks to his grit, pressure and game interception.

The player from Los Palacios y Villafranca managed to contribute in attack with an assist, made 19 of 20 accurate passes, three long passes and lost only one ball in what he played of the match. The Andalusian started on the right foot and seems to be recovering the great level shown before the injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of his right knee.

However, Casadó also has options to return to the starting lineup. Marc lost his place to Frenkie at the beginning of the year, but beyond the market rumors linked to his possible departure, the '17' is also in the coach's plans. Not in vain, Flick himself closed the door to his departure this summer.

More than statistics: De Jong's irreplaceable qualities

For his part, De Jong comes from playing 90 minutes in Mallorca, with 76 of 79 accurate passes and five losses, also having a good match at Son Moix. The numbers would seem to indicate that Gavi is his ideal replacement and that they will not miss the '21' blaugrana for the match against Levante; however, football goes beyond simple statistics.

What the international with the Netherlands contributes in defense, ball recovery, field positioning, game interception and clean exit is remarkable, being an ideal partner for Pedri in the center of the field thanks to his physical display and security in the transfer.

Against a rival as defensive as Levante, Barça will need its 'brains' more than ever to manage possession with good judgment and break the granota wall in Valencia.