Looking towards their academy is something FC Barcelona often tends to do in times of need. While it is a great factory of footballing talent in itself, it also provides a cushion to the first team whenever necessary. This cushion has aided many Barcelona managers with winning games and even developing the stars of tomorrow.
At the moment, Barcelona is indeed in a time of need. Facing a severe injury crisis within the club, it is once again the subsidiary that Barcelona turns towards. The current injury list includes the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, Raphinha, Frenkie De Jong, and Jules Kounde.
Barca Atletic’s Guardians
With seven players out injured, and two of them being defenders, Barça needs new entries. Two such players, according to Spanish outlet SPORT and Barcelona Atletic coach Rafa Marquez, are Pau Cubarsi and Mikayil Faye.
According to Marquez, both these players are capable enough to play for the first team. Singing their praises, the Barcelona Atletic coach highlighted their individual strengths and differences, including why they complement each other so well.
Technical Talent
Pau Cubarsi, 16 years old, is one of the emerging gems in the Barcelona subsidiary. The same age as Lamine Yamal, the young center-back has the faith of both Marquez and Xavi Hernandez himself.
The Barcelona first-team coach has called upon him to train with the squad on several occasions already. These opportunities are rare, but the youngster hopes to keep taking advantage of them, stating:
“It’s a very good opportunity that I’m trying to make the most of. I am calm, I am still a youth player, I try to give my all in Barça Atlètic, and if there are opportunities, I will take advantage of them.”
As per his Barca Atletic coach, ‘Cuba’ continues to impress beyond belief:
“Both of them (Cubarsi and Faye) are performing well. ‘Cuba’ surprises me, although I already knew about his quality because he is still very young for this category and still behaves like an experienced player.”
Senegalese Warrior
The other centreback, Mikayil Faye, was no exception to praise from Rafa Marquez. Words complimenting the youngster came from Barca Atletic’s manager of Mexican origin. Already having presented the Senegalese National team at an under-17 level, his senior call-up only seems to be a question of when.
Currently 19 years old, he has been commended for his physical game and athletic play style. Nicknamed ‘The Monster’, even his manager spoke of his key attributes:
“Physically, he is quite strong and intense, but he also has many qualities to play the ball from the back.”
First-team Ready
He further assured curious minds that from his perspective, Faye is more than capable of handling his own should Xavi wish to count on him:
“…If the first team considers it, I believe he is a very capable player, and in the circumstances where someone is absent, he can do a good job.”
Complementary Duo
He also highlighted how both players are great talents on the ball. Moreover, he stated that Cubarsi and Faye each had their unique way with which they handle having possession:
“They are two players who understand each other very well, both defensively and offensively. Both have good ball distribution, maybe Mika is more forceful, especially due to his physicality. ‘Cuba’ is more methodical, and smarter in personal duels.”
The next test for FC Barcelona will take place right at home at the Montjuic Stadium. Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao will be the visiting party, and Xavi would want to ensure all three points go to the Catalan giants. The two youngsters, Faye and Cubarsi, will both be eager to make the final squad list. Moreover, if things go all too well, either or both may even get a chance to debut for the first team.
