La Liga star in awe of Barcelona defensive prodigy – ‘He has a spectacular level’

In a matter of months, Pau Cubarsi has grown into a first-team fixture for FC Barcelona from playing for the youth and reserve teams.

The centre-back, just 17, broke into the first team at the turn of the year under former manager Xavi Hernandez and soon cemented his place as a regular starter.

Now, under the tutelage of Hansi Flick, Cubarsi has continued his meteoric rise, playing an integral role in Barcelona’s strong start to the new season.

The La Masia graduate’s form has earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team squad for their upcoming matches against Denmark and Serbia in the UEFA Nations League.

Oscar Mingueza heaps praise on Cubarsi

Cubarsi has linked up with a former La Masia talent, Oscar Mingueza, in the Spain camp, with the Celta Vigo defender also earning a call-up from Luis de la Fuente after his fine start to the season.

And Mingueza, who has been linked with a possible return to Barça, gave an interview to Tot Costa (h/t SPORT), during which he lavished great praise on Cubarsi.

“It’s something that all of us Cules like to see players from the reserve team making their debuts so young,” he said.

“Cubarsi… he’s a player I knew about from the youth team, although I hadn’t seen a full game of his and when he started to play, well, I think it was a good surprise for everyone,” Mingueza added.

Not stopping there, the Celta Vigo star continued, saying: “He has a spectacular level: to be playing for Barça and the national team at the age of 17 is very, very difficult, and he also has an incredible personality and seriousness.”

Cubarsi was unable to do pre-season under Hansi Flick as he was away with the Spanish national team at the Olympics, where he helped them win the gold medal.

But the 17-year-old has been a regular fixture at the heart of the defence since the season started, forging a formidable partnership with veteran defender Inigo Martinez.

Cubarsi has featured in all of Barcelona’s 11 matches across all competitions this season, starting ten of those, and has even registered an assist.