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Lamine Yamal is receiving the recognition he deserves around the world, and rightly so, given that he single-handedly decides Barcelona’s matches at the age of 17.
Also in the same age group is a certain Pau Cubarsi, whose achievements at a young age are not talked about enough amid the Yamal hype.
The young man turned 18 today, just one day after Barcelona’s historic comeback against Benfica in which he played all 90 minutes and had a great performance.
Cubarsi speaks
Speaking to Barça One on his birthday, the young Barcelona star discussed a host of topics, from his rise to prominence to the team’s aspirations this season.
He began by revealing how he felt about being a pillar of the club at such a young age and what he hoped to achieve with the club in the years to come.
“It’s a dream, I feel privileged” -he began.
“Support and win many titles with Barça” he added about his ambitions.
The young defender then fondly recalled his debut under Xavi Hernández and how he handled the overwhelming moment.
“I didn’t expect it. Xavi gave me the opportunity and many minutes. I worked in every training session to make it like that.”
“I was on the bench, I thought I wasn’t going to play, Andreas (Christensen) was injured and Xavi told me to warm up because he was going out. I was thinking, okay, you’re going to make your debut with the first team.” he added on that special night.
“And I had the opportunity to gain more minutes, more experience. “I think I took advantage of it.” concluded on its astronomical progression.
Cubarsi was then asked to explain how he remained so calm playing at the highest level of his age, to which he said:
“I try to be me, to improve, I have always been like that.”
He also praised Hansi Flick for his way of helping the players and revealed his satisfaction with the German coach.
“He is very close [with us]always tries to help us. “We are very happy that he is with us.”
The La Masia prodigy has gradually become one of the most beloved Barcelona players and the fans even dedicate a special song to him. Speaking on that topic, he said,
“I get goosebumps when I hear the chants Cu-Cu-Cu-Cubarsi [from the stands].”
Cubarsi then proceeded to talk about Xavi Hernández and the impact the former coach had on his career, saying:
“Xavi is a Barça legend with DNA. With him we returned to the club’s philosophy. It’s the one I like to play, that’s how they taught me.”
“He also has that philosophy, although we are more direct.” he added about Hansi Flick.
Cubarsi’s rise to the elite at such a young age is astonishing, but has gone slightly under the radar given Lamine Yamal’s progression. About his compatriot, he said:
“I’ve seen everything from Lamine. I’ve had him on the team before and I’ve been able to enjoy him. If he continues like this he will be one of the great players.”
Towards the end of his interview, the Barcelona star reviewed some of his most critical moments this season, starting with the cut on his face he suffered against Red Star Belgrade.
“I was on the ground, I tried to turn around and I saw a lot of blood coming out and I covered myself.”
He also recalled the team’s recent draw in Getafe and stated that the League is far from over.
“They are very difficult stadiums. If you go out at ninety-five percent it doesn’t work for you, you have to go out at one hundred percent, be mentally strong.”
“The league is still alive” he added.
Finally, he gave his two cents on his association with Íñigo Martínez and what made it special.
“Your experience helps me. “It gives me freedom, it tells me to be myself, to be calm.”
