Teenage Sensation Pau Cubarsí Has a Bright Future Ahead After MOTM Display in Barcelona’s 3-1 Victory Over Napoli
The UEFA Champions League knockout stage is where boys become men, and players become legends. Today, Pau Cubarsí graduated from his time as a promising talent playing in the UEFA Youth League to the biggest stage in club European competition. Since the turn of the year, Pau Cubarsí has featured in every match in the league and after his captain-worthy performance at the weekend against Mallorca, Xavi decided to appoint the starlet against Victor Oshimen, one of the most fearsome strikers as of now. As a result, the future star pocketed the Nigerian striker and showcased a MOTM performance to lead Barca into the last eight.
Other Champions League Results: PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Borussia Dortmund: Luuk de Jong’s Controversial Penalty Ensures All Stay Levelled Ahead of Second Leg in Germany
Pau Cubarsí Broke Multiple Records in Knockout Stage Debut
What were you doing at Age 17? For Pau Cubarsí, he became the youngest defender ever at one month and 20 days to represent Barcelona in the Champions League, surpassing his similarly youthful team-mate Héctor Fort, who was 17 years and 133 days old when he faced Antwerp earlier in the group stage. Moreover, he also became the youngest player to debut in the Champions League knockout stages, overtaking Real Madrid’s David Alaba’s record of 17 years 258 days for Bayern Munich.
Other than his age, he became the first Barcelona player to complete 50 or more passes (61/68), 100% of his tackles (3/3) and make five or more clearances to break the club’s record that has stood since the 2003-04 season. His performance also lauded praises from former Manchester United player Owen Hargreaves. “This kid was picking out passes for fun,” he said. “He made it look so easy. He was physical when he needed to be. I mean, he’s 17, and this is his first start. He played ridiculously well. He’s unique. He is a star now, a star of the future.”
Pau Cubarsí’s personal performance aside, Barcelona played like a team rejuvenated with hunger as Raphinha dominated proceedings at the front end, slipping in Fermin Lopez for Barca’s first goal of the night. Moreover, the Brazilian winger played a massive part in their second just two minutes later as his right-footed curler hit the post before João Cancelo followed it in. While Napoli pulled one back through Amir Rrahmani at the half-hour mark, the ever-reliable Robert Lewandowski was on-hand to seal the deal with a simple tap-in. The victory means Barcelona qualified for the last eight for the first time since 19/20, a season many fans still share nightmares about.
Xavi Elated with Pau Cubarsí’s Breathtaking Display
After lauding Pau Cubarsí’s performance against Mallora as captain-worthly, the soon-to-be-leaving manager had more praise towards the youngster. “Cubarsi has quality and doesn’t get nervous. That’s in his favour. His delivery of the ball is brutal. He has that calmness. He makes breaks, generates offensive plays, and connects with the midfielders and attackers. And that pauses a lot of links with interiors. It’s a spectacle to see him.”
Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto also hailed Pau Cubarsí’s sensational performance as he stated: “Pau Cubarsí is incredible. He really was the best player on the pitch. At that age, he just never stops surprising all of us. Reaching the quarterfinals with one of our own youngsters playing like that – I hope he plays for Barcelona all his life. Humble, talented and hard-working – that’s the La Masia way.”
As for the player in the spotlight, Cubarsí still needs some work on his interview, as he was embarrassed by the limelight. “It has been one of the best days of my life. We have gone to the quarterfinals after some difficult years. This MVP trophy is deserved by the entire team.”
La Masia Continues to Produce Generational Talent
The best footballing academy was once a debate between Chelsea, Ajax and Barcelona. However, La Masia, especially in recent years, has left the others in the dust as their Academy graduates continue to perform on the world’s biggest stage. For example, Barcelona became the first team in Champions League history to hand a start to two players aged 17 in a knockout game – Lamine Yamal at 16 years and 243 days and Cubarsí at 17 years and 50 days.
With another star born, Barcelona must ensure not to overwork the young kid as they did with Pedri. For context, the then 17-year-old played 73 matches in 2020 and is currently suffering the same thigh injury that has already kept him out of 15 games thus far this season. Former Golden Ball winner Gavi is also out with a season-ending ACL tear, so Barca should definitely keep tabs on overplaying their prized possessions.
To catch Barcelona’s next match against Atlético de Madrid, follow https://www.asiasport.com/ for constant updates and highlights of every fixture you may have missed from this pre-international break period.
