Scouted: Pau Cubarsi
Is Cubarsi here to stay, or is he just another overhyped product of La Masia?
After a tight and edgy first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Barcelona welcomed an in-form Napoli side who had scored nine in their last three games. Their biggest threat? Victor Oshimen, who is one of Europe's most feared number nines, and has all the components of an elite forward.
Barca ultimately came out on top 3-1 on the night, and 4-2 on aggregate, and Osimhen was limited to just one shot. Not many defences could do this. However, many sides don't have a 17-year-old centre-back who has grasped his opportunity in senior football at the highest level quite to the extent of Pau Cubarsi, who was the deserved man of the match.
After starting his youth career at Girona, Cubarsi joined La Masia in 2018. He progressed through the academy to become the third-youngest to ever feature for the Blaugrana in the UEFA Youth League, behind Lamine Yamal and Ilaix Moriba. In April of last year, Xavi invited Curbasi to first-team training for the first time, and after impressing throughout pre-season, he was handed his first start in January.
Since his introduction to the senior side, the teenager has featured 10 times in LaLiga as a left-sided centre-back, predominantly alongside Ronald Araujo.
Barca have struggled with their central defensive options for numerous seasons, and this year especially, they have been caught out. Jules Kounde has struggled to truly kick on since he arrived in 2022 — a lack of concentration and positional awareness has at times being evident, especially in Barca’s 4-1 Supercopa de Espana loss to Real Madrid in January. Similarly, Araujo — for all his brilliance — is also flawed. An over-reliance on his physicality and recovery pace often leads to errors, and his work in possession leaves you wanting more.
Step in Cubarsi. A well-rounded defender who reads the game similarly to a player well into his thirties. His positioning is excellent, and he seems to understand his role in any situation. His top-end speed, once he gets going, means he can both step vertically to meet the ball or cover in behind.
La Masia's greatness stems from its ability to prepare players for the senior team allowing almost seamless transitions, encapsulated by Xavi's quotes on Cubarsi.
“I opted for Cubarsi because I see him as being prepared.”
The best compliment I can give is that he looks like a Barcelona player should look. Elegant, skillful and excellent on the ball.
His passing ability and press resistance are superb, and when in possession he occupies the central area and holds the responsibility to build up, which in turn means Frenkie de Jong has been able to play in more advanced areas.
This skill is emphasised by his innate need to take responsibility. Cubarsi always demands the ball, and thrives when receiving it under pressure. Unlike most centre-backs who have a high volume of passes per 90, Cubarsi always looks to play positively and to progress the ball. Whether it’s a long diagonal to Yamal or an incisive pass through the press to De Jong, with either foot, he can do it all.
Another aspect of this need to take responsibility falls under his characteristics when defending. A natural leader on the pitch, if Barca are struggling to cope with a dangerous number nine, the 17-year-old often takes control. This was obvious against Napoli and Oshimen, but another situation stands out too.
Deportivo Alaves’ Samuel Omorodion, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid, has caused havoc in LaLiga this season. The 19-year-old is a nightmare for any centre-back, never mind one as inexperienced as Cubarsi. The Spain youth international is fully equipped to terrorise defences with his size, speed and rawness. However, Curbasi was able to match his opponent and did an excellent job at quietening the forward in Barca’s 3-1 win over Alaves in February, employing an almost man-marking approach with Araujo sweeping behind implies an excellent future partnership.
Obviously, Cubarsi has played less than 1,000 minutes of senior football, so I'm trying not to get ahead of myself!
His acceleration is lacking, which may lead to issues when faced up against a forward bursting past him over short distances. Another area of improvement would be tapering his desire to win the ball — he often gives away fouls after being too enthusiastic and rushing to defend.
Now a fully fledged Spanish international, Cubarsi will have another huge test on his hands when Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight of the Champions League.
If he can shackle Kylian Mbappe, we really do have a star on our hands!
Interview with @AM10FCB
1. Prior to making his debut, were you and other Barcelona fans aware of Cubarsi?
I was aware, the feeling was good, everyone rated him, especially his game in possession, but his use of contact impressed us the most once he scaled to the 1st team.
2. If you were to compare him to any elite centre-back past or present who do you believe is the most similar?
I think Gerard Pique. Not explosive, pacey or a monster but doesn’t get outmuscled, he is tall, a great backline leader, jumps only when it’s needed, is composed and has a beautiful diagonal.
3. Could you describe the 17-year-old in three words, but also one word you'd like to be able to use but you can’t yet?
Composed, intelligent, mature. One word I’d like to be able to use is — complete, but not yet.
By Alfie Biggs