Few gamers have enhanced their repute on the 2026 FIFA World Cup fairly like Pau Cubarsi.
The Barcelona defender has grow to be throughout the match, combining defensive maturity with spectacular composure in possession regardless of being simply 19 years previous.
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explains simply how influential he has been.
Alongside , he has recovered possession within the opposition’s half extra typically than some other centre-back on the match.
He additionally ranks among the many main gamers for key passes and profitable dribbles, underlining the all-round qualities which have made him a daily below each Hansi Flick at membership degree and Luis de la Fuente with Spain.
Now, whereas chatting with , the La Masia graduate mirrored on his fast rise, his relationship with , working below Hansi Flick and the problem of dealing with Kylian Mbappe.
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Cubarsi praises Lamine Yamal
The dialog naturally turned to fellow Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, with Cubarsi revealing how completely different their personalities are regardless of sharing such a detailed bond.
“I’m extra of a personality, somebody who pushes onerous, while Lamine is calmer; he does his personal factor. That’s his model of play, as he’s proven.
“It’s as if he have been enjoying within the native park.”
Cubarsi has been extraordinarily dependable on the World Cup. (Photograph by Luke Hales/Getty Pictures)
Requested about Lamine Yamal’s mindset earlier than Spain’s assembly with France, Cubarsi left little doubt over the winger’s mentality.
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“Superb; he’s targeted on what he has to do, on serving to the group.
“He is aware of the highlight is on his objectives and assists, however he focuses on serving to the group past that – on defensive work and placing strain on the full-back as solely he is aware of how.
“Lamine is a drive to be reckoned with when he takes you on.”
Cubarsi additionally admitted that former Barcelona captain stays his largest inspiration, stating, “Puyol, my idol.”
Cubarsi discusses Mbappe problem and Hansi Flick’s religion
Looking forward to one other assembly with Kylian Mbappe, Cubarsi acknowledged the France captain’s high quality whereas making it clear that Spain won’t change their method.
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“He doesn’t scare us, however everybody is aware of what he’s able to. Even when he’s not absolutely within the sport, he can flip it round within the blink of an eye fixed.
“He’s one among a sort, identical to Lamine. We have now to remain alert for the total 90 minutes,” he mentioned.
Pau Cubarsi will not be afraid of Kylian Mbappe. (Photograph by Alex Grimm/Getty Pictures)
The defender additionally credited Hansi Flick for serving to speed up his improvement since taking cost at Barcelona.
“Ever since I arrived, he’s had religion in me, though I couldn’t participate in his first pre-season. He advised me I had good skills however that I wanted to develop them additional and construct on them.
“That’s helped me quite a bit, personally too, to all the time keep targeted. You practice as you play, and I’m very proud to have him as my supervisor.”
Cubarsi believes skilled defenders comparable to Aymeric Laporte and Inigo Martinez have additionally performed a significant function in his progress.
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“They’re very comparable and have helped me quite a bit. They’ve extra expertise, and I have to develop additional in that space.”
World Cup dream
It have to be famous that Cubarsi has grow to be the under-20 participant with essentially the most minutes at a FIFA World Cup, surpassing Kylian Mbappe’s earlier mark.
Regardless of these achievements, {the teenager} stays targeted on one goal above all else – successful the world title.
“Sure, sure, you possibly can think about it from once you’re a toddler. However once you’re right here and getting nearer to the purpose, you image the celebrations extra clearly and the will to raise that Cup.”