Although FC Barcelona have started looking more like title contenders in the last few weeks, the Catalans still have not yet won any trophy this season, and there is still a good chance that they can end the season without any silverware.
However, even in such a pessimistic scenario, the current season will be far from a failure for the Blaugranes. One reason why the Culers will still look on this season with fondness is the emergence of some highly talented youngsters like Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal.
Despite their youth, both these players continue to show their top-class abilities at the highest level in Europe. This is particularly true for the center-back, who once again excelled in one particular aspect at the highest level in Europe.
Overcoming high press from the opposition with his passing is one of the most valuable attributes of Cubarsi, and as Mundo Deportivo has noted, this trait was clearly on display in the last Champions League match against PSG.
According to the data from Opta, Cubarsi was the Barcelona player with the most line-breaking passes 13, and his contributions were key as Xavi’s men punished the Parisians with their quick attacking moves.
The youngster has played only two Champions League matches up to now, the one against PSG and another against Napoli in the second leg of the Round of 16.
But since his debut, there is only one player in the competition who has made more line-breaking passes than Cubarsi, i.e., William Saliba, who has 32 such passes as compared to Cubarsi’s 27.
Thus, with these performances in the Champions League, Cubarsi is being considered a necessity in the upcoming second leg against PSG this Tuesday. His line-breaking passes will be key for Xavi’s side, especially as Luis Enrique’s teams tend to press the opponents.
