Jordi Roura Reflects on Rising Stars: Cubarsí, Lamine, and Fermín

Jordi Roura, the former head of Barcelona’s youth football from 2014 to 2021, exudes joy, pride, and satisfaction for the development of three promising talents: Cubarsí, Lamine, and Fermín. In a conversation with SPORT, Roura delves into the past, present, and future of these La Masia gems, shedding light on their remarkable journey.

“In a match like Barça-Napoli, the work we did becomes visible. When players you scouted from a young age succeed, everything makes sense,” says Roura, emphasizing La Masia’s primary goal of discovering, nurturing, and promoting talent for the first team.

Discussing Cubarsí’s exceptional defensive skills, Roura notes, “He has it all to defend—speed, aggressiveness, positioning, aerial prowess. His willingness to learn is unique, and his strong character sets him apart.” Regarding comparisons to Puyol and Piqué, Roura acknowledges the dream but emphasizes Cubarsí’s youth and the need for support through potential errors.

Fermín, who showcased a stellar performance against Napoli, receives praise from Roura for his intensity, aggression, exceptional quality, and goal-scoring ability. Roura expresses happiness for Fermín, who overcame physical challenges, stating, “He understands our football and brings a different profile to the midfield, ensuring significant attacking contributions from deep positions.”

Lamine’s progress continues to impress, with Roura highlighting his ability to instill fear in opponents. “Lamine has earned something incredible at his age. Opponents are wary of him, avoiding challenges as his actions provoke more fear.” Roura commends Lamine’s defensive commitment and anticipates further growth given his age and ongoing physical and mental development.

Roura poses a crucial question, “How much would Lamine, Cubarsí, and Fermín be worth now?” recognizing their value to a club in need of talented players. He emphasizes that these players, along with others, will form the backbone of Barcelona’s future. Roura advocates for maintaining the tradition of promoting youth talent and suggests, “Only sign what we need because we have quality coming up. The club should be calm; there are high-level generations coming through.”

In conclusion, Roura’s insights provide a compelling narrative of La Masia’s success and the promising future of these young talents at Barcelona.