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At simply 18, Pau Cubarsi has develop into a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defence, establishing himself as among the best younger defensive abilities on the earth.
Lately, the younger centre-back sat down with Diario SPORT for an unique interview, the place he mentioned his progress in La Masia, his future at Barcelona and far more.
Cubarsi on early progress, La Masia
In the beginning, Cubarsi talked about La Masia and the way it has helped him form his profession.
“La Masia provides us the Barça philosophy, as I’ve at all times mentioned, a novel philosophy—taking part in these matches towards Espanyol, some tournaments towards Madrid and massive groups. That provides you the arrogance and the fashion you deliver to the pitch,” he mentioned.
Cubarsi was then requested concerning the issues he realized with the primary group which he wasn’t taught at La Masia. The defender, although, had a fairly diplomatic response.
“No, you’ve already realized the whole lot it’s essential know concerning the Barça philosophy, they’ve taught you the whole lot, and up right here it’s about giving it your all, with all the will on the earth, and making an attempt to do it with as a lot effort as you possibly can,” he replied.
Speaking concerning the early levels of his skilled profession, Cubarsir revealed how he handled stress when making his debut for the senior group.
“Once they informed me I used to be going to remain in, on my debut with Unionistas, actually, I couldn’t consider it. I used to be sitting at halftime, and after they informed me to heat up, I went out calmly as a result of I didn’t know I’d go on proper then.
Cubarsi is grateful to Xavi for handing him his Barcelona debut (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
“When Xavi gave me the directions, I wasn’t too nervous, I used to be actually completely happy, however with that little thorn inside telling you that you need to do effectively and there’s some stress,” he revealed.
Cubarsi was additionally requested concerning the issues he appears again upon fondly over the previous 12 months or so – a interval through which the defender established himself as a first-team common.
“Numerous reminiscences, plenty of joys, beginning the 12 months debuting with Barça’s first group, which is a dream come true, after which taking part in, getting minutes, with Xavi who gave me the possibility – I’m very grateful to him.
“Then the summer season got here and successful the Olympic medal, which is one thing magnificent and unbelievable, so I’m very completely happy,” he mentioned.
Cubarsi on his teammates and dressing room
Whereas Barcelona have been very profitable in nurturing younger abilities in recent times, Cubarsi was requested concerning the harsh actuality of not everybody with the ability to make an affect within the first group.
“Sure, that is the world of soccer, there are few who at all times make it. At La Masia, fairly just a few make it as a result of we’ve additionally been fortunate that Barça trusts the academy so much.
“It’s a little bit of luck, there’s at all times some, but in addition the character you wish to present and the trouble you place in – that’s what will get you there,” he mentioned, arguing that luck additionally performs a key position in figuring out the fortune of a youth participant.
The younger centre-back additionally talked about his relationship with veteran Inigo Martinez – a partnership that was essential in Barcelona’s early success.
“It’s chemistry from coaching, coaching, and extra coaching, which makes the teammate subsequent to you at all times need the very best for you, and also you for him.
“Truthfully, with ‘Ini’ we make a great pair, but in addition with Eric and Ronald, who’re having an ideal season too, I really feel actually good with them on the pitch,” he shared.
The teenager talked about himself as effectively and identified the areas he has improved since making his debut for the senior group.
“Since I obtained right here, I’d say I’ve improved so much with ball-playing from the again since you at all times need to play out, and in addition management and serving to teammates, particularly,” he mentioned.
Cubarsi on different gamers and the artwork of defending
Pau Cubarsi has made a robust affect at Barcelona. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photos)
In the course of the interview, the reporter requested Cubarsi about how the notion of a defender usually revolves across the participant having a tough and powerful determine, which isn’t the case for Cubarsi.
In response, although, the Barcelona defender offered a swish reply, arguing that instances change.
“Instances change, many generations have handed that have been completely different, and as we speak’s center-backs aren’t as highly effective as these from earlier than, who had lengthy hair and have been the traditional defenders. It’s advanced, and now we’re completely different,” he mentioned.
Cubarsi is a large fan of van Dijk (Picture by Eric Alonso/Getty Photos)
When requested if he watches different centre-backs, the Spaniard admitted, “Sure, I like watching the Premier League, and I have a look at Van Dijk so much.”
He even went on to heap reward on van Dijk, including, “An unbelievable bodily presence, one-on-one defending, management. Truthfully, I take note of him so much.”
Cubarsi on titles and future at Barça
As Barcelona gear up for a vital section of the marketing campaign, Cubarsi additionally entertained the potential for the membership going for a treble.
“I don’t know, we’ll go sport by sport, that’s what issues, we’re in good type now, and we hope it retains going so we will obtain one thing,” he mentioned.
The defender additionally talked about successful the Tremendous Copa, his first main title since making a breakthrough on the skilled stage.
“Successful the Supercopa title was among the best days of my life, successful my first title with Barça is one thing magnificent, particularly with the group, nearly all from La Masia, who went out to play, to compete.
“This 12 months with the ability to compete for La Liga, the Copa, and the Champions League—we’ll go all out, we’re actually motivated, and successful a kind of can be one thing magnificent,” he mentioned.
Lastly, Cubarsi mentioned his future and whether or not or not he want to play for Barcelona eternally, particularly after signing a contract extension on the membership.
“Proper now, after the renewal, I’m right here till 2029, however the focus is on as we speak, ending this season, and we’ll see concerning the ones after,” he concluded.
