The 17-year-old FC Barcelona defender is living a dream in the last few months. He not only got the chance to make his debut with the first team but really took advantage of this opportunity to become a regular feature in Xavi Hernandez’s team.
He has been receiving plaudits for his performances with the first team, and this was especially the case after his MVP performance in the Champions League tie against Napoli this week. Today, the defender reached another milestone as got the call-up to the Spain national team for the upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Spain national team coach explained his decision to call up Cubarsi instead of some other more experienced players in a presser: “Those of us who have seen him play know the kind of player he is. Nothing he’s doing, or can do, surprises us because we know him.”
“We don’t look at the identity card. There is no doubt about it. The only interest that drives us is the sporting interest. There is no other reason. We believe the best are coming. Pau is in a great moment. It generates excitement for the present and the future.”
In addition to Pau Cubarsi, Dani Vivian was another youngster that De la Fuente named in this list. Further explaining the decision to call up these youngsters, the Spanish coach commented:
“[Having youngsters] ensures the future of the national team. There are many players knocking on the doors in the youth ranks. Nobody is given anything for free, and when someone takes a step forward, you have to be sure you’re ready.”
“They are very special footballers. It’s not common to have players who are 16, 17 years old, but they are indeed very special. We don’t hesitate when making these decisions.”
The opportunity to train and play with the senior Spain side will definitely be a good experience for the young defender, one that will allow him to become a more mature and complete player in the coming years.
But Barcelona will be hoping he is not overused by the national team, as has been the case with Pedri and Gavi, so he does not have to suffer from the physical problems that these two players had to because of their exertion with the national team.
