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Barcelona's defensive prodigy could be fast-tracked to the Spanish senior national team after his Man of the Match performance against Victor Osimhen's Napoli in the Champions League
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi showcased remarkable maturity during their 3-1 victory over Napoli on Tuesday night. Tasked with containing Napoli's dangerous striker Victor Osimhen, Cubarsi demonstrated exceptional defensive skills while also making significant contributions with the ball at his feet.
His performance has garnered attention not only from fans and pundits but also from Spain's national team selectors.
Potential Spain Call-up for Cubarsi
With Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, set to announce his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, Cubarsi is in contention for a call-up.
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His stellar display against Napoli has heightened speculation that he may soon make his international debut, shortly after his breakout in European competition.
Post-Match Reflections
Following Barcelona's triumph over Napoli, Cubarsi expressed his delight at the team's success and his personal performance. He was awarded the man of the match award by UEFA, a testament to his impactful contribution to the game. In a post-match interview with Movistar+, Cubarsi remained humble, attributing his success to the collective efforts of the team while emphasizing his role in playing out from the back, a hallmark of Barcelona's style of play.
“It’s one of the best days of my life. We have reached the quarterfinals after four years and many vicissitudes experienced by the club and the dressing room is happy with the job done and qualifying. We have gone from pressure to ambition, and we have achieved it,” Cubarsi told Movistar+ after the match.
Focus on Future Challenges
When asked about his priorities between the Champions League draw and Spain's squad announcement, Cubarsi remained focused on both events, acknowledging their significance. However, he expressed a slight preference for the Champions League draw, indicating his eagerness to continue competing at the highest level of European football.
Reports suggest that Cubarsi is poised to make his international debut against Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 17-year-old's consistent performances for Barcelona, coupled with his standout display against Napoli, have earned him praise from Barcelona's head coach, Xavi Hernandez. Xavi has hailed Cubarsi as their best defender with the ball at his feet, highlighting the teenager's potential for a bright future in both club and international football.
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