Pau Cubarsi turned 18 on Wednesday and the Barcelona defender arrives as a regular starter for the Catalan giants on that milestone birthday. Lamine Yamal may have been in the spotlight a lot over the past 18 months, but the defender deserves his own plaudits for his remarkable rise.
To mark his birthday, Cubarsi spoke to Barca One (via Marca) about a wide range of topics, and he started the interview by reflecting on the last twelve months of his life and career.
“It was a spectacular year, I hope there will be many more to come. Every child would want to be in my place. It's a dream. I feel privileged. I still have a lot to improve, I realize that in every match. I see actions that I need to train more.”
Cubarsi reflected on his Barcelona debut, which came just over a year ago in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca. He opened up about his emotions that day and also spoke highly of Xavi Hernandez, the man who gave him that moment that he has never looked back on.
“I was on the bench, I thought I wouldn't play, Andreas (Christensen) got injured and Xavi told me to warm up and come out. I thought: okay, you're going to make your debut with the first team.
“Xavi is a DNA legend of Barcelona. With him we returned to the club's philosophy. It's the one I like to play, that's how I learned it.”
Cubarsi played during Barcelona's thrilling 5-4 win over Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, which Hansi Flick called “crazy”. The teenager has been very pleased with his side's performance in the competition so far and is determined to play a big role in the team's success in May.
“You can always dream. Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world and must always strive for the best, but always with our feet on the ground. With all the desire in the world we are going for the sixth Champions League.”
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