Cubarsi defends Barcelona duo Pedri and Lamine amid criticism: ‘The best at that’ | OneFootball

Spain defender Pau Cubarsi appeared on Radio MARCA for an interview today ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Belgium.

The Barcelona youngster has easily been one of Spain’s standout performers, and one of the best centre-backs at the tournament, showing composure and maturity beyond his age.

And, during the interview, Cubarsi showed the same poise and calmness, as he made it clear that the team’s ambition remains unchanged despite the increasingly difficult road ahead.

“We have one goal in mind, which is to win the World Cup, and we’re going to fight for it,” the 19-year-old centre-back said.

He also expressed complete confidence in the team, saying: “If we do things well, we’ll have a better chance of winning.”

Pedri and Lamine leading the team

Cubarsi also spoke about Pedri, saying he believes the midfielder is fully prepared to carry Spain creatively during the decisive stages of the tournament, amid some criticism over the Barcelona midfield maestro’s performance.

“I see him doing well and staying calm. He already knows the quality he has, and he knows he’s having a great World Cup,” said Cubarsi.

According to Cubarsi, the key for Pedri is simply to remain true to himself, as he said:

“He just has to stay calm and keep being himself because everything will work out for him. He’s a very calm player and knows exactly what qualities he has.”

Pedri and Lamine have faced some criticism. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Discussing Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi stressed that the winger’s contribution goes far beyond statistics.

“I don’t see him being anxious about scoring or providing assists. What I see is that he’s focused on making the team play well, keeping the tempo high, creating chances and, above all, winning,” the teenager remarked.

The defender believes Lamine’s influence on opponents is one of his greatest strengths.

“There’s another side of football that people don’t always notice: making opponents afraid, increasing the rhythm of the game and pushing them back into their own half. I think Lamine is the best at that,” he added.

Spain’s defensive strength

Meanwhile, Cubarsi praised Spain’s progress since their opening match and highlighted the importance of the collective effort, particularly in defence.

La Roja have yet to concede a goal in the tournament, something the youngster believes is the result of the entire team’s commitment rather than just the backline.

“The defensive line has been very good, but the forwards and midfielders also help us defend, and they make our job much easier,” he said.

The Barcelona defender admitted that keeping a clean sheet all the way through the tournament would be a remarkable achievement.

“That would be an incredible record, and it would help us win.”

Backing Ferran Torres

Another Spain player who has faced criticism during the World Cup is Ferran Torres, largely because of his lack of goals.

Starting to click. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Despite that, Cubarsi pointed out that his Barcelona teammate’s performance against Portugal was extremely valuable.

“He’s back, he’s fully committed and eager to help the team. Hopefully he’ll get the bit of luck that’s been missing for him so far,” the defender stated.

Spain now turn their attention to the quarterfinal against Belgium, and Cubarsí insisted that the squad is concentrating solely on the next challenge.

“We’re not thinking about anything except Belgium and the quarter0final.”

Even so, when asked what he imagines at the end of the tournament, the defender didn’t hesitate, as he said: “Lifting the World Cup.”