Pau Cubarsí’s Stellar Performance: A Defensive Maestro and Playmaking Sensation

Xavi opted for the experience of Iñigo Martínez in Naples but reinstated Pau Cubarsí to the starting lineup against Getafe. The 17-year-old center-back from Estanyol delivered an outstanding performance against Jose Bordalás’ team, showcasing defensive prowess and playmaking skills that led fans at the Olímpic Lluís Companys to chant his name in the second half.

Despite being only 17, Cubarsí plays with the composure of a seasoned veteran, earning the right to be part of the first-team squad next season. Since his debut on January 18 against Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey, he has seamlessly integrated into Xavi Hernandez’s group. Xavi, who will leave the helm on June 30, can proudly claim to have trusted in this exceptional young center-back, who has been a starter in six of the last seven league matches.

Terrassa-native Xavi and the nearly 37,000 fans at the magical mountain were in awe of Cubarsí’s performance against Getafe. Xavi praised the Catalan defender as the best in ball distribution, emphasizing his spectacular play and unerring passing ability. Xavi said, “Cubarsí is the best central we have in ball distribution. It’s spectacular, at 17, that’s what we were looking for… He plays with tremendous personality, never missing a pass, always improving on what you, as a coach, think he should do. He looks for the second line, a prodigious breakthrough, destined for many years at the club.”

Cubarsí, playing as a right central defender, excelled not only in ball distribution and helping overcome Getafe’s forward pressure but also in defense. He successfully marked the dangerous Borja Mayoral, who arrived in Barcelona in excellent form, just one goal behind Bellingham and three ahead of Lewandowski in the league’s top scorers. Xavi stated, “He’s at a very high level: he clashes, protects the ball, and doesn’t get beaten. That’s why he plays, not just for ball distribution, but also defensively, he’s remarkable.”

The stats reflect Cubarsí’s exceptional performance. He had a total of 92 interventions in the match, completing 71 out of 82 attempted passes with an 87% accuracy rate. In addition to his successful long passes, he dominated defensively, winning all four aerial duels against Mayoral, recovering four balls, avoiding any attempts to dribble past him, and making crucial clearances without committing a single foul. This defensive masterpiece showcased the immense potential of a 17-year-old center-back destined to leave a lasting impact at Barcelona with his technical quality, understanding of the game, physical prowess, and remarkable personality.