FC Barcelona continue to give opportunities to their youngsters this season. The Blaugranes know the value their starlets provide, and it is a great alternative to the costly signings they have missed out on. However, even from among those talented pearls, certain Barcelona products manage to stand out.
Most would immediately jump to names like Lamine Yamal to prove this, and they would not be wrong. However, another young starlet who has clearly gained not just the trust of Xavi, but also that of the fanbase in general, is 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.
For several matches at this point, Cubarsi has continued to flaunt his talents for the Barcelona first team. As highlighted by SPORT, Xavi, and Barça subsidiary coaches continue to value his technical characteristics and sublime composure, but they also hold him in great regards due to his defensive capabilities and positional understanding.
His most prominently notable traits are undoubtedly his technical ones, but his defensive quality is undoubtedly special. Even Xavi himself, who praised the youngster’s performances, highlighted them as one of his best qualities:
“He (Cubarsi) gives us a lot of things, ball control, aggressiveness, defends well. Everyone emphasizes that in ball control, he is very good, which he is, but he never loses a duel. And it’s not just about two meters: it’s a matter of attitude and personality. He plays with a determination that is wonderful.”
Highlighting how he never loses a duel, Xavi is proven right by quite the staggering statistic. In his last five appearances for FC Barcelona, the 17-year-old has only been dribbled past once. Moreover, even the statistics directly showcase just how efficient and strong he is in the duels that he ultimately contests.
Often regarded as the best defensive prospect of La Masia since many years, it is hard not to highlight Cubarsi as a special player. His play already showcases it, whether it be against Athletic Club in San Mames or against Osasuna in the Montjuic Stadium, Pau Cubarsi continues to stand out and dominate the realms of play he competes in.
