Gavi earns glowing praise from Spain head coach at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain are gearing up to take on Cabo Verde on Monday in their first match in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There has been plenty of talk surrounding their training in the lead-up to the game, and not all of it has been positive.

Gavi hit headlines for a particularly tough tackle on Rodri in training that put the latter's availability for the match in doubt. However, Rodri played down the incident in the aftermath.

De La Fuente has taken the defence of Gavi a step further by suggesting his commitment at training is a positive thing for the rest of the squad.

"I wish you could have seen how he's training. He's so enthusiastic. There's an important aspect, aside from the footballing side and the players' fitness, that's motivation," he told AS.A

"And motivation can sometimes turn any situation around. Sometimes it's positive, and when you're feeling down, it can be negative. But Gavi is a very important player because he has fantastic energy.

"He demands a lot from the rest of his teammates. He demands a lot because he trains with such energy, vitality, and enthusiasm... And that's contagious.

"It's a spirit that defines and shapes the identity of this group. There are players who are constantly pushing themselves. And that's very good for the team because they never stop striving to improve."