Barcelona teenager earns huge Zlatan Ibrahimovic praise after World Cup masterclass: ‘Defended like a monster | OneFootball

Pau Cubarsi continues to justify the growing excitement surrounding his development, with the Barcelona defender producing another composed display on the biggest stage of international football. 

The 19-year-old played a leading role in Spain’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, a performance that even caught the attention of former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Spain looked set for extra time after first-half goals from Fabian Ruiz and Charles De Ketelaere left the contest finely balanced. 

However, substitute Mikel Merino delivered the decisive moment in the 88th minute, firing Spain into the semi-finals and keeping their hopes of lifting the World Cup alive.

While Lamine Yamal received the official Player of the Match award, Ibrahimovic believed another Barcelona academy graduate deserved the spotlight after an outstanding defensive display.

Cubarsi with another mature performance for Spain

Cubarsi’s contribution went beyond simply helping Spain keep Belgium under control. 

The young centre-back was one of the team’s most reliable players in possession and showed a level of composure rarely seen from someone still in his teens.

He completed 89 of his 91 passes, finishing the match with an exceptional 98% passing accuracy while repeatedly helping Spain progress the ball from deep. 

His influence was equally clear without possession, registering five clearances, winning four duels, recovering the ball on three occasions, creating two chances, and even managing a shot, which played a decisive role in the move that led to Mikel Merino’s late winner.

At just 19 years of age, Cubarsi continues to display the calmness, intelligence and decision-making expected from far more experienced defenders.

Ibrahimovic explains why Cubarsi stood out

Despite the widespread praise directed towards Lamine Yamal after the final whistle, Ibrahimovic felt Cubarsi’s influence was even greater.

Sharing his assessment of Spain’s victory, the former Barcelona and AC Milan striker said:

“Pau Cubarsi was my Player of the Match. He defended like a monster, created the winner for Spain, and he’s only 19.”

Coming from a player who spent years competing at the highest level of European football, the praise carries considerable weight. 

Ibrahimovic has rarely been generous with compliments throughout his career, making his assessment of Cubarsi’s performance all the more significant.