On Monday night, Barcelona midfielder Gavi received the prestigious Kopa Trophy, beating out a crowded field to the award, which is given to the best under-21 player in world football each year. The 18-year-old broke into the first team last season and quickly became a key piece of Xavi's midfield.
However former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand didn't agree with the voting and he believed that former target Eduardo Camavinga alongside the heavily-linked Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala should have ranked ahead of the La Masia graduate.
Replying to an Instagram post by the Secret Scout, Ferdinand stated: "Camavinga... Jude... Musiala....What Camavinga did in the knockout stages of the Champions League alone (making sure Real Madrid closed out the big games) puts him above Gavi last season. Gavi is a big talent but I can't see him past these guys the last year."
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Bellingham has been in great form so far this year and has been crucial to Borussia Dortmund's good form in the Champions League as they sit second in their group, only behind Manchester City by three points. Of course, this has led him to be linked with Europe's top clubs like Real Madrid, United, City and Liverpool.
Musiala has also been in good form and though Bayern are struggling in the league this year, he has been a bright spark. Camavinga on the other hand, has yet to nail down a starting spot, sitting behind the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and new signing Aurelien Tchouameni.
Anthony Elanga was nominated for United, but he came nowhere near the trophy. He was a key fixture during Ralf Rangnick's reign but since Erik ten Hag was appointed he has had a reduced role.
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