Barcelona defender impresses with 4/4 ground duels won and 82 accurate passes vs Valencia | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are coming off an excellent 6-0 win over Valencia in the first home game of the 2025/26 La Liga season. Although technically a home affair, the team played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with work at the Camp Nou not completed in time for this game.

Although Flick named a much-rotated XI against Valencia, the team showed no lack of chemistry, and almost everyone had a good game. Ultimately, it is safe to say that the full house was happy.

One player who had a brilliant game last night was Pau Cubarsi. The teenage central defender has gone under the radar in recent months through no fault of his own, and last night was yet another reminder of just how special a player he is.

According to stats collected by SofaScore, the 18-year-old defender played 90 minutes on the night, making 6 clearances, 1 interception, and 4 tackles. Defensively, he was solid, winning 4 of 4 ground duels and 6 of 8 aerial duels.

However, Cubarsi showed he was more than just a rock at the back, showcasing his full quality in possession. Starting at left centre-back, he was more proactive on the ball than his partner Eric Garcia, who is no slouch with the ball at his feet.

The teenager recorded 104 touches, completing 82 of 93 passes at 89% accuracy. This included a sensational line-breaking pass to Ferran Torres in the lead-up to Barcelona’s first goal of the night. He also completed 4 long balls.

If anyone had forgotten what Cubarsi brings to the table, last night was a subtle reminder. Already a leader of the Barcelona back line at just 18, the sky is the limit for the Spaniard, and let us hope he can continue this form in the upcoming games, especially in the Champions League.