Set to mark Julián Álvarez in Finalissima: "World-class, Barça level" | OneFootball

He presses, demands on the exit, is lethal in the area, and doesn't stop running for even a second. It's been a long time since Julián Álvarez became an unbearable forward for any defense. And very difficult to stop. A Barcelona defender knows this well, having suffered against him in the Copa del Rey and will have to face him again on March 27 in the Finalissima between the Argentina and Spain national teams.

At just 19 years old, Pau Cubarsí has already accumulated over 100 matches in his career with the blaugrana jersey (113 to be exact), four titles, an Olympic gold, and a more than promising future. With great timing, impenetrable defense, and excellent ball handling, he has earned his place at the back of Camp Nou and today is a key cog in Hansi Flick's winning machine.

Also with La Roja, although at his young age he has a thorn in his side for not having been a Euro Cup champion. Coach Luis De La Fuente decided to bet on other leaders in the final list, and he missed out on the celebration at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. That's why he's counting the days until the match against the Scaloneta in Qatar.

Asked by Mundo Deportivo about the next dream to fulfill, the young culé was clear: “To play the Finalissima against Messi.” He will be one of those responsible for closely following him along with the Spider, about whom he spoke wonders. “As everyone knows, he is a spectacular player. I have played against him more, I have had to defend him,” he praised, after suffering one of his great goals in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Even amid rumors linking the former River player with Barcelona, Cubarsí assured that he has everything to succeed in the City of Counts: “I know he is a top world forward and is Barça level.” Nonetheless, he emphasized that the attack front is well covered for now: “Both Robert (Lewandowski) and Ferrán (Torres) are also at a spectacular level. They are doing very well and help us in all aspects.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.