Spain manager praises ‘special’ Barcelona whizkid after maiden call-up

Luis de La Fuente’s much-awaited Spain squad list for the upcoming international break finally dropped today, and as expected, included two Barcelona jewels.

Lamine Yamal, unsurprisingly, maintained his place in the Spanish National Team following his two goals in four appearances so far.

Pau Cubarsi was the second Barcelona player included in what happens to be his first senior international call-up. To do so at just 17 years of age speaks volumes about his quality.

On Pau Cubarsi

The La Roja manager spoke to the media earlier today after dropping his squad list and spoke specifically about the teenage defender, Yamal and Pedri.

“We all have no doubt about Cubarsi’s talent and quality. We’re not surprised but maybe the audience is surprised because they haven’t seen him much. We do not look at ID (age), we only look at performance,” he said, defending his decision to call the prodigy up.

He then went on to praise the Barcelona star for his form and spoke about the longevity they expect from the defender.

“Cubarsi is experiencing a great moment and generates great hope for us for the present and the future. We want to count on him for many years.”

Further insisting that the Spanish Federation has been following Cubarsi for a long time, the manager added:

“We’ve known him since he was 15 years old. He has earned it with his performance at FC Barcelona. Everything has been agreed with the senior team. We are delighted that Pau is going. This is the objective, that they are ready to make the leap.”

Pau Cubarsi is in the Spain squad. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On the likes of Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal breaking into the Spanish national team, he said: “They are very special players. It’s not usual to have players of 16, 17 years old, but they are very special. We are not shaky when it comes to making these decisions”.

On Pedri’s injury

De La Fuente was then quizzed on Pedri who suffered a hamstring blow recently and is ruled out for a month at least. Commenting on his potential participation in the Euros, he said,

“I hope Pedri will recover soon. We have no doubt that we can count on him in the Euros because he will bring a lot of happiness to Spanish football.”

“I saw his behaviour and participation with us. I want to meet him again in the first team after he made his debut with me in the U21 national team,” he added on his bond with the player.

Finally, the Spanish tactician revealed that he was in contact with the Barcelona midfielder through his difficult period and wished him a speedy recovery.

“I spoke with Pedri. We always have to wait for Pedri because he is a great player. We have to be by his side and support him in these difficult moments. Injuries are the ugly part of football.”

Source: X/SEFutbol