The life of Pau Cubarsi has changed in just two months. Since he made his debut with the FC Barcelona first team in the Cup in January, he has become one of the Blaugrana team’s starting centre-backs indisputably. On his own merits. His meteoric rise seems to have no ceiling and now it is his turn to demonstrate it in the quarterfinals of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
Born in the very small town of Estanyol, in the province of Girona, continues to maintain his goodness, innocence and serenity in the face of such a media ‘boom’. He is not used to starring in photo sessions, but he gladly lends himself to them. “I don’t know how to do this,” he expressed between laughs and a little blushing.. With her feet on the ground and always with a smile, she spoke to SPORT, from the Prensa Ibérica group, this morning.
“I am calm, trying to continue being myself, with my routine, as I always did; I’m very happy”, he commented at the entrance to La Masia, the place that continues to be his roof -literally until next season-. Nor do they compare him with Puyol – his football idol – because of his determination, courage and positioning; or with Piqué for his exquisite ball play from behind they make him hesitate on the pitch.
From youth to being MVP in the Champions…
The defender has gone from facing Porto in the UEFA Youth League – the youth Champions League – to debuting in the adult Champions League and obtaining the MVP the best player in his debut match. Against Naples and achieving, four years later, the pass to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
If nothing goes wrong, within a month it will be his turn to defend Kylian Mbappé. It seems early for someone who a few days ago was blowing out a cake with only 17 candles. He cannot even drive yet nor will he be able to exercise his right to vote in the Elections to the Parliament of Catalonia on May 12.
Pau Cubarsí poses for SPORT with Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in the background. / JAVI FERRÁNDIZ
Cubarsí, too, has evaluated the draw for the Champions League and is ambitious with the journey that lies ahead for Barça until the final at Wembley. The stadium that has left such good memories in the culé fans. “There are only top teams in the world, they are all complicated and capable of winning it. Let’s be ourselves, compete for the Champions League until the end and fight it”he acknowledged.
The rest of the year is not looking bad for Cubarsí, with ten days of the domestic competition ahead, a quarter-final of the Champions Leaguea debut with the Spanish team and, who knows, if also a new call to participate in the Euro 2024 Championship in Germany.
So far, his numbers under Xavi Hernández are not negligible: 918 minutes spread over 12 games (nine in the League, two in the Cup and one in the Champions League). Of which, in nine he has been part of the starting eleven, being a fixed central defender for the Blaugrana coach. At the moment, he has not made his debut facing the goal, time after time, but he has provided an assist. It was Jules Kounde in the second goal scored by the Catalans against Unionistas de Salamanca, precisely in his debut with the first team. Round premiere.
…and from the sub-17 to the absolute
As we said, everything is coming to Pau at the speed of light, but that doesn’t make him smaller. He has earned it hard and his great performance wearing the jersey of the Barça has allowed him to receive the call from Luis de la Fuente to be called up with the absolute Spanish team. It is the first window of matches for the national teams and, in the case of the ‘red’ team, they will face Colombia and Brazil in two friendly matches.
Pau Cubarsí looks towards the horizon in front of the SPORT camera. / JAVI FERRANDIZ
The Blaugrana is one of the four centre-backs who will be called up, just after visiting the Civitas Metropolitano to face Atlético de Madrid on matchday 29 of the League, along with Laporte, Le Normand and Vivian. “I am very proud of the coach’s confidence, I am going to take advantage of the opportunity and give my best”pointed at the SPORT microphone.
2024-03-15 18:26:31
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