Barcelona midfielder Gavi to become Spain's youngest-ever player

Barcelona midfielder Gavi will become Spain's youngest-ever player when he takes to the field for Wednesday night's UEFA Nations League semi-final against Italy.

The 17-year-old was surprisingly named in the starting XI for La Roja's contest against the Euro 2020 winners, with the midfielder joining Koke and Sergio Busquets in the middle of the park.

Gavi has featured on six occasions for Barcelona during the 2020-21 campaign, including five appearances in La Liga, where he has registered an assist.

The former Real Betis youngster will overtake the record currently held by Angel Zubieta, who made his international debut for Spain at 17 years and 284 days old back in 1936.

Gavi's Barcelona teammate Ansu Fati, meanwhile, is third on the all-time list, having made his first outing for La Roja at 17 years and 308 days old last September.

As of Wednesday, Gavi, who will be making just the fourth start of his professional career, is 17 years and 62 days old.