FC Barcelona maintain full faith in their own youth academy products and continue to give them responsibilities. Incorporating them into the first team, several young La Masia stars have begun to gain prominence due to this belief.
Their abilities get to be developed as well as simultaneously be flaunted to the rest of the European elite. As such, it comes as no surprise that yet another youngster may gain prominence in the first team.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, 16-year-old Pau Cubarsi could be next in line to shine under Xavi. Barely of legal age, the young central defender is deemed to have all the qualities to succeed at the highest level.
Prominence in the subsidiary
Already a prominent member of Barcelona Atletic under Rafa Marquez, the Spanish defender continues to impress at the subsidiary level. Despite only being 16, his talent caught the eye of Xavi Hernandez who then integrated him within the first team dynamics.
Regularly taking part with the best of Barcelona, his contributions would not stop just there. He was then awarded the chance to even travel with the team for their outings against Villarreal and CA Osasuna.
Winning both games by 4-3 and 2-1 respectively, Barcelona were victorious but unfortunately, Cubarsi could not get any minutes in either.
Blessing in disguise
However, MD now believes that the latest injuries could change that altogether. Frenchman Jules Kounde was the most recent to enter the injury list, and the center-back’s absence could be vital for Cubarsi. With his injury, Barcelona now only have three fully fit central defenders to count on.
Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, and Andreas Christensen are the only available center-backs at Xavi’s disposal. Needing some fresh blood, Pau Cubarsi could be the favorite to provide his services in these testing times.
Key attributes
Already possessing a great stature at 1.82 meters, the player is sensational in aerial duels. Moreover, he possesses a composure and level of maturity on the ball that does not reflect on his age at all. Key for Barca Atletic for a reason, his incorporation as a playing member of the first team does not seem all that far away.
One possible problem could arrive in November however. With the Under-17 FIFA World Cup set to take place between November and December of this year, Pau Cubarsi will be expected to represent Spain in Indonesia. This would result in him being unavailable for the first team as well as the subsidiary during that period.
