Barcelona's Gavi becomes youngest player to represent Spain

Gavi became the youngest player ever capped by Spain after starting Wednesday's Nations League semifinal against Italy.

The Barcelona midfielder started alongside club teammate Sergi Busquets and Atletico Madrid's Koke on the day he turned 17 years and 62 days. He breaks the record of 17 years and 284 days set by Athletic Bilbao's Angel Zubieta in 1936.

Another Barcelona colleague, Ansu Fati, is the third-youngest Spaniard after he introduced himself to international football at 17 years and 308 days.

Gavi made his Barcelona debut as a substitute in August's 2-1 win over Getafe. He was handed his first start in a 0-0 draw at Cadiz on Sept. 23 and is now a full international just 13 days later.

"When you see him playing at this level, he impresses," Spain head coach Luis Enrique said after calling the teenager into the squad. "I have known him for a long time, he was already a standout player in Barca's reserve team. I have no doubt about the level he will reach in the future."