At this point we’re already familiar with Cubarsi, La Masia’s newest centre-back who got integrated into Barcelona’s first team mid-way through last season and has become a starter from the get-go, but what makes him so valuable?
In possession: In possession is where Cubarsi shines, already proving to be one of the best centre-backs in La Liga at just 17. Pau Cubarsi averages 57.7 passes per game with 93% being successful, which puts him in 7th for centre-backs in La Liga. He’s also the only U20 centre-back in the top 20, but his value in possession goes beyond that. He averages 2.1 accurate long balls per game, he’s the only centre-back in La Liga who’s created 2 big chances and averages 4.18 progressive passes per game, which is outstanding for such a young centre-back. Cubarsi is comfortable with both feet, can hit it long to either side, and can even progress it centrally. He may be 17, but his ability in possession is comparable and maybe even better than some of the most experienced centre-backs in the world. His vertical passing and switches of play make playing in a team like Barcelona who prioritise control and possession much, much easier.
Out of possession: So just for some context, I don’t think stats are the best way to judge Cubarsi’s defensive abilities. This is because Barcelona averages the highest percentage of possession so far in La Liga (66%) which means that Cubarsi has less defensive work to do than other centre-backs in La Liga, but he’s more than capable out of possession. Under Flick, Barcelona plays one of the highest lines in the world, which means that the centre-backs have to always be alert of the space in behind which requires a high understanding of the game and being able to read it well, and so far Barcelona have conceded just 5 goals in 7 games, with Cubarsi starting 6 of them and keeping a clean sheet in 2. Just to show how defensively astute he is through some stats I will show them. In 23/24 he won 50% of his aerial duels (1.5 per game) and 54% of his ground duels (1.4 per game) in a different system to Hansi Flick’s. In 24/25 so far he wins 63% of his aerial duels (1.4 per game) and 43% of his ground duels which might seem low, but he only goes into 0.9 per game this season in contrast to the 1.4 per game last season, which shows the difference in systems between Xavi and Flick. Just for context, van Dijk wins 38% of his duels with 0.5 per game even though we all know he’s the most dominant centre back in the world. With defensive stats, context is very important.
Even on the European stage, Cubarsi has proven himself as a defensive wall, winning the Man of the Match award against Victor Osimhen’s Napoli back in March. Against Napoli, he won 100% of his aerial and ground duels along with 3 tackles, 5 clearances, and even a big chance created, what a superb way to announce yourself to the world.
He’s even getting praised by senior players, as 30 year old Cádiz (who were in La Liga at the time) defender Fali said himself: "Pau Cubarsí is 17 years old & I love him as a centre back. He makes me want to continue with my career, he inspires me. It's very nice watching him play. I have only asked for 2 shirts in my career. But today, Pau Cubarsí's shirt could be the 3rd." And Cubarsi ended up keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win that game.
Just a couple months later the Barcelona fans chanted “Cu-cu-Cubarsi” as he assisted the opener in a 7-0 demolition against Real valladolid which was scored by Raphinha. “There's no bigger pride than to hear the fans of the club of your life chant your name. It's an incredible feeling” Cubarsi said in the post match interview
Cubarsi is only 17 with barely any flaws and he’ll only get better as time goes on, he’s already appreciated by so many figures in the sport in and outside of Barcelona and he’ll only get better
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more!
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