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As long as La Masia lives, Barcelona will breathe with vitality. The pulse of the club may waver every now and then, with its rhythm unpredictable and untamed.
But when tensions rise highest and the threat of a cardiac arrest looms large, talents emerging from La Masia invariably serve as a lifeline.
Now, stabilising those irregular heartbeats and guiding the team’s rhythm back to an assuring cadence, Pau Cubarsi is one of the latest lifeboats to save Barça from stormy waters.
The ascension
Following his transition from Girona’s youth setup, Cubarsi joined Barcelona’s academy in 2018. After making quick progress through the minor divisions, Xavi called up the youngster to train with the first team in April of last year.
Having long been hailed for possessing a talent that belies his years, Cubarsi’s name being etched in the squad list as the season progressed became a recurring theme. But it was at the turn of the year that his contributions especially exploded.
Indeed, at just 16 years of age, the Barça starlet made his debut in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca. Before turning 17, he made his La Liga debut against Real Betis.
Despite playing against players twice his age and seasoned veterans, Cubarsi hardly appeared out of place.
After a terrific display against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey, which Barcelona were unfortunate to lose, Xavi knew Cubarsi’s talents could no longer be swept under the rug.
The Spanish jewel seamlessly slotted into the backline, masking the collective adversity Barcelona were enduring. As such, solid exhibitions in quick succession earned him a regular spot in the starting XI.
Although Cubarsi’s inexperience led to his being benched in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie, there was an upsurge in both maturity and confidence in the three games that followed.
Barcelona kept clean sheets against Getafe, Athletic Club, and Mallorca, and Cubarsi’s poise at the back had a lot to do…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/pau-cubarsi-the-rise-of-barcelonas-latest-academy-gem/
Author : Shahraiz Sajjad
Publish date : 2024-03-15 08:57:10
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