Barcelona youngster expected to start against Brazil for Spain tonight

With the last international break of the season now underway, Barcelona will want to preserve their form from the last couple of months after returning to club football action against Las Palmas.

For that, though, they will have to ensure that none of their key players are injured, especially the young guns, most of whom have been called up for their respective countries.

This also includes Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, both of whom are representing the Spanish National Team this fortnight at the delicate ages of 16 and 17, respectively.

While Luis de la Fuente did not end up starting either player against Colombia for the first game in the 0-1 loss, Yamal came on in the 72nd minute while Pau Cubarsi made his debut in the 83rd minute.

The former, however, could very well be the starting piece for Spain during the Euros, and therefore, it is no surprise to see reports from COPE claiming that Yamal is expected to start tonight against Brazil.

Yamal’s record for Spain

Lamine Yamal has only played four games for Spain so far, but already has scored two goals for them, including one on his debut against Georgia in September.

The 16-year-old also netted for Spain two months later as they took on Cyprus during the European Championship qualifiers.

While not even an adult by now, Yamal is probably de la Fuente’s best bet for the right-wing position for Spain. Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia will be competing with him for it, if previous games are anything to go by, but have not particularly impressed.

The Pau Cubarsi question

Pau Cubarsi received his maiden Spain call-up after only 13 first-team matches, which is one of the quickest in the NT’s history.

However, his place in the starting lineup is far from nailed on, or even expected.

Aymeric Laporte will definitely be one of the two starting in central defence, while Daniel Vivian, Robert Le Normand, Pau Torres, and even Inigo Martinez could compete for the other place.