Pau Cubarsi talks Xavi, La Masia, Inigo Martinez, Virgil van Dijk, Barcelona future | OneFootball

At just 18, Pau Cubarsi has become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defence, establishing himself as one of the best young defensive talents in the world.

Recently, the young centre-back sat down with Diario SPORT for an exclusive interview, where he discussed his growth in La Masia, his future at Barcelona and much more.

Cubarsi on early growth, La Masia

First and foremost, Cubarsi talked about La Masia and how it has helped him shape his career.

“La Masia gives us the Barça philosophy, as I’ve always said, a unique philosophy—playing those matches against Espanyol, some tournaments against Madrid and big teams. That gives you the confidence and the style you bring to the pitch,” he said.

Cubarsi was then asked about the things he learned with the first team which he wasn’t taught at La Masia. The defender, though, had a rather diplomatic response.

“No, you’ve already learned everything you need to know about the Barça philosophy, they’ve taught you everything, and up here it’s about giving it your all, with all the desire in the world, and trying to do it with as much effort as you can,” he replied.

Talking about the early stages of his professional career, Cubarsir revealed how he dealt with pressure when making his debut for the senior team.

“When they told me I was going to stay in, on my debut with Unionistas, honestly, I couldn’t believe it. I was sitting at halftime, and when they told me to warm up, I went out calmly because I didn’t know I’d go on right then.

Cubarsi is grateful to Xavi for handing him his Barcelona debut (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“When Xavi gave me the instructions, I wasn’t too nervous, I was honestly happy, but with that little thorn inside telling you that you have to do well and there’s some pressure,” he revealed.

Cubarsi was also asked about the things he looks back upon fondly over the past year or so – a period in which the defender established himself as a first-team regular.

“Lots of memories, lots of joys, starting the year debuting with Barça’s first team, which is a dream come true, and then playing, getting minutes, with Xavi who gave me the chance – I’m very grateful to him.

“Then the summer came and winning the Olympic medal, which is something magnificent and incredible, so I’m very happy,” he said.

Cubarsi on his teammates and dressing room

While Barcelona have been very successful in nurturing young talents in recent years, Cubarsi was asked about the harsh reality of not everyone being able to make an impact in the first team.

“Yes, this is the world of football, there are few who always make it. At La Masia, quite a few make it because we’ve also been lucky that Barça trusts the academy a lot.

“It’s a bit of luck, there’s always some, but also the character you want to show and the effort you put in – that’s what gets you there,” he said, arguing that luck also plays a key role in determining the fortune of a youth player.

The young centre-back also talked about his relationship with veteran Inigo Martinez – a partnership that was critical in Barcelona’s early success.

“It’s chemistry from training, training, and more training, which makes the teammate next to you always want the best for you, and you for him.

“Honestly, with ‘Ini’ we make a good pair, but also with Eric and Ronald, who are having a great season too, I feel really good with them on the pitch,” he shared.

The youngster talked about himself as well and pointed out the areas he has improved since making his debut for the senior team.

“Since I got here, I’d say I’ve improved a lot with ball-playing from the back because you always have to play out, and also leadership and helping teammates, especially,” he said.

Cubarsi on other players and the art of defending

Pau Cubarsi has made a strong impact at Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

During the interview, the reporter asked Cubarsi about how the perception of a defender often revolves around the player having a rough and strong figure, which is not the case for Cubarsi.

In response, though, the Barcelona defender provided a graceful answer, arguing that times change.

“Times change, many generations have passed that were different, and today’s center-backs aren’t as powerful as those from before, who had long hair and were the classic defenders. It’s evolved, and now we’re different,” he said.

Cubarsi is a huge fan of van Dijk (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

When asked if he watches other centre-backs, the Spaniard admitted, “Yes, I like watching the Premier League, and I look at Van Dijk a lot.”

He even went on to heap praise on van Dijk, adding, “An incredible physical presence, one-on-one defending, leadership. Honestly, I pay attention to him a lot.”

Cubarsi on titles and future at Barça

As Barcelona gear up for a crucial phase of the campaign, Cubarsi also entertained the possibility of the club going for a treble.

“I don’t know, we’ll go game by game, that’s what matters, we’re in good form now, and we hope it keeps going so we can achieve something,” he said.

The defender also talked about winning the Super Copa, his first major title since making a breakthrough at the professional level.

“Winning the Supercopa title was one of the best days of my life, winning my first title with Barça is something magnificent, especially with the team, almost all from La Masia, who went out to play, to compete.

“This year being able to compete for La Liga, the Copa, and the Champions League—we’ll go all out, we’re really motivated, and winning one of those would be something magnificent,” he said.

Finally, Cubarsi discussed his future and whether or not he would like to play for Barcelona forever, especially after signing a contract extension at the club.

“Right now, after the renewal, I’m here until 2029, but the focus is on today, finishing this season, and we’ll see about the ones after,” he concluded.