Despite a shocking home loss to Colombia, the future generation of Spain’s football is relatively safe. After the game, Spain and Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal praised the quality of Barcelona’s academy system who successfully orbited young players to the national team.
It is unlikely for a Madrid player to compliment Barcelona or its players. However that is not the case with Carvajal who did not even play any minutes in a game, he took time to pay attention to Blaugrana youngster Pau Cubarsi.
“I congratulated Cubarsi on his debut,” in his statement for the national team. ”He is a very young boy, but this was not shown during training and in the minutes he played against Colombia. Pau is one of the candidates to be in the squad for the Euro.”
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Dani Carvajal complimenting Barcelona’s young trio
Furthermore, Carvajal put Cubarsi together into a conversation involving other two Barcelona young players Lamine Yamal and Gavi. He mentioned that Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente does not see players based on his age or whatsoever.
“Lamine, Gavi or Cubarsí give the level when they play for the first team,” he added. “The coach does not look at your age or where you come from. The player who is here comes for his performance and they show their performance.”
The Spain’s national team coach Luis de La Fuente admitted he was happy with Cubarsi’s attitude the whole season. The Estanyol-born young defender was also just handed a senior debut for Barcelona earlier in January.
“He has a personality and character that seem beyond his years,” De la Fuente said on Cubarsi. “Let him savor this moment, it’s truly special. My goal is for everyone to get a chance to play and increase their opportunities.”
Among the three names, Cubarsi is the latest member of Spain national football team. He was handed a debut at the age of 17, beating the previous record belonging to Sergio Ramos who was just 18 on his debut for the national team.
A dream came true for Pau Cubarsi
Speaking post-game about his debut, Cubarsi said it was like a dream come true. He also expressed his disappointment for not getting the result he wanted.
“I am very proud of my debut since it was a dream I had since I was little,” he said. “It is always difficult to lose and I am hurt by the defeat. I appreciate the coach’s trust and I try to make the most of it by giving my best. I always try to be myself and play calmly.”
Cubarsi came on in the 83rd minute replacing Aymeric Laporte. Yamal, who is having a wonderful journey with Barcelona, played his fifth game with the national team while Gavi did not play due to an injury.