Despite having a surplus of center-backs in their squad during the last summer, FC Barcelona had to start the 2024-25 season with a rather thin backline due to the injuries of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
The Uruguayan center-back is yet to play a game with the Blaugranes this season, as he is still recovering from the injury he suffered while playing for his national team in the Copa America.
On the other hand, the Dane suffered his injury after playing some minutes in the opening match of the season against Valencia and has been unable to step on the pitch after that.
In such circumstances, Hansi Flick has had to rely on Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi to make up the center of his defense, and this defensive duo has not given any reason for complaint with their performances.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the German tactician also highlighted their good performances since the start of the season as he spoke to the press ahead of the game against Espanyol:
“They’re full of energy. The Pau-Iñigo relationship has really contributed to our stability, especially with such an advanced system of play. It’s not easy to play our way. They bring us so much. We ask them to stay focused in every match, and they’re doing a great job.”
Up to now, Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi have partnered in the Barcelona backline for 22 La Liga games, this and last season. Neither of these games was a loss for FC Barcelona, as they helped their team get 20 wins and 2 draws.
The only game in which they partnered and suffered a defeat was in the UEFA Champions League match against Monaco this season, where FC Barcelona had to play at a numerical disadvantage due to Eric Garcia’s expulsion.
