Cubarsi talks Xavi, Flick, Yamal, Inigo, Barcelona debut, ambitions – ‘It’s a dream, I feel privileged’ | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal is getting the recognition he deserves across the globe, and rightfully so given how he single-handedly decides games for Barcelona at the age of 17.

Also in the same age group, is a certain Pau Cubarsi whose achievements at a young age are not spoken of enough amid the Yamal hype.

The youngster turned 18 today, just a day after Barcelona’s historic comeback win over Benfica in which he played all 90 minutes and dished out a strong showing.

Cubarsi speaks

Speaking to Barça One on his birthday, the young Barcelona star commented on a plethora of topics from his rise to prominence to the team’s aspirations this season.

He began by revealing how he felt being a mainstay for the club at such a tender age and what he looked forward to achieving with the club in the years to come.

“It’s a dream, I feel privileged,” he began.

“Support and winning many titles with Barça,” he added on his ambitions.

The young defender then looked back fondly on his debut under Xavi Hernandez and how he handled the overwhelming moment.

“I didn’t expect it. Xavi gave me the opportunity and many minutes. I worked on every training to make it like this.”

“I was on the bench, I thought I wasn’t going to play, Andreas (Christensen) was injured and Xavi told me to warm up that he was coming out. I was thinking, okay, you’re going to debut with the first team,” he added on that special night.

“And I had the opportunity to gain more minutes, more experience. I think I took advantage of it,” he concluded on his astronomical progression.

A mainstay at 18. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Cubarsi was then asked to elaborate on how he stayed so calm playing at the highest level of his age, to which he said,

“I try to be me, to improve, I’ve always been like that.”

He also praised Hansi Flick for the manner in which he helped the players and revealed his satisfaction with the German manager.

“He is very close [with us], he always tries to help us. We are very happy that he is with us.”

The La Masia prodigy has slowly become one of the most loved Barcelona players with fans even dedicating a special chant to him. Speaking on that topic, he said,

“It gives me goosebumps when I hear the chants Cu-Cu-Cu-Cubarsi [from the stands].”

Cubarsi then proceeded to speak on Xavi Hernandez and the impact the former manager had on his career, saying,

“Xavi is a legendary DNA Barça. With him, we returned to the philosophy of the club. It’s the one I like to play, I’ve been taught like that.”

“He also has this philosophy, although we are more direct,” he added on Hansi Flick.

Cubarsi’s ascendency to the elite at such a young age is astounding but has slightly gone under the radar given Lamine Yamal’s progression. On his compatriot, he said,

“I’ve already seen everything from Lamine. I’ve had him on the team before and I’ve been able to enjoy him. If he continues like this, he will be one of the great players.”

Towards the end of his interview, the Barcelona star looked back on some of his most critical moments this season, beginning with the cut to the face he suffered against Red Star Belgrade.

“I was on the floor, I tried to turn around and I saw that a lot of blood came out and I covered myself.”

He also looked back on the team’s recent draw at Getafe and stated that the league was far from over.

“They are very difficult stadiums. If you go out at ninety-five per cent, it doesn’t give you, you have to go out one hundred per cent, be mentally strong.”

“The league is still alive,” he added.

Finally, he gave his two cents on his partnership with Inigo Martinez and what made it special.

“His experience helps me. He gives me freedom, he tells me to be myself, to be calm.”