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11 months ago
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The biggest takeaway from Barcelona’s starting lineup on Sunday night was the inclusion of a certain Pau Cubarsi. The 17-year-old made his first start for the senior team against Real Betis at Benito Villamarin after Andreas Christensen was ruled out of the clash, and did not disappoint.
In the 81 minutes he spent on the field, the youngster was not dribbled past once. He remained rock solid in defence and was impeccable with his distribution as well.
Speaking in an interview (h/t Mundo Deportivo) on his birthday today, Cubarsi reflected on his first-team debut and his first start for the first-team against Real Betis.
“I’m very happy, I’m having one of the best weeks, if not the best, of my life. It’s all been very close together.”
“I debuted in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas, then I had the opportunity to play against Betis at Benito Villamarín and today is my 17th birthday. I’m very happy,” he added.
Cubarsi then went on to relive his first start for the senior side last night and how he had no idea about his role until the pre-match warm-up.
“Debuting is a lot of truth. I have always been from this club since I was a child, it is the best team in the world. I have always dreamed of this moment.
“The day before in training I see a little how the shots are going and I start to rethink it, but I still didn’t know anything official until two hours before the game.”
“When I knew about it, I was very happy. At first, when they tell you that you are going you are a little nervous as always, but when the minutes of the game go by you gain confidence. Then you let yourself go and you are yourself,” he continued.
The centre-back also took a moment to express his gratitude to his family and support system for helping him reach where he is today.
“I thank my parents and my sister for always helping me and for always being by my side and also my family. La Masia has really helped me a lot. Not only in soccer but also in the studies.”
It is no secret that the youngster will be a crucial part of the Barcelona first-team for decades to come. Speaking about his ambitions looking ahead and his immediate goals, he said,
“Continue like this, having opportunities because I will fight them all, move forward. It is important to always keep your feet on the ground. My family helps me a lot in this regard.”
Finally, the youngster made it a point to thank Xavi for the trust in him and stressed that he would always give his 100% irrespective of the situation.
“I define myself as a man who gives everything. I always try to give 100% in games and in training and the truth is that in moments of tension, I like to be calm and be myself.”
“We are very grateful to Xavi for the opportunities he gives us and we are taking advantage of them,” he concluded.
