17-year-old Barca's starter wants to fill in club's legendary captain's role

FC Barcelona's start to the 2024/25 season has been brilliant. Comfortably occupying the table-top La Liga position, having dominated their opponents this far, the club's performances have been spectacular. Most importantly, Hansi Flick achieving this success with a highly injury-inflicted squad, putting La Masia graduates into perfect roles, has been significantly impressive.

17-year-old Barca's starter wants to fill in club's legendary captain's role

While much of the club's unstoppable run this season has been deservedly given to the ecstatic front-three trio of Captain Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, praise needs to be showered upon young prodigies who have stepped up in defense and midfield roles. One such star player has been 17-year-old prodigy center-back Pau Cubarsi, whose rock-solid performances have been crucial for the club.

Since the start of the season, pairing up alongside veteran star Inigo Martinez, the ace prodigy has been impressive at the heart of Barca's defense. Recently, Cubarsi opened up about how the presence of Inigo has helped him so far. Cubarsi mentioned,

""I've been playing with Iñigo Martinez since the beginning of the season. He helps me on and off the pitch. Having him by my side gives me confidence and security.""

- Pau Cubarsi

Moreover, apart from his conventional duties, what sets the La Masia graduate apart from others has been his confidence. Having given commendable performances against some of the superstars, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Victor Osimhen being just 17 years old, Cubarsi has already shown signs of becoming one of the club's greatest players to don the role.

In fact, the defensive star recently mentioned that he idolizes Barca's former legendary captain and superstar defender, Carles Puyol, and wants to have a personality like him. Cubarsi said,

""My goal is to have Puyol's personality, on and off the pitch. He's a leader who tries to help his teammates. If things go bad, he encourages them. If things go well, he pushes the team more. He's my role model.""

- Pau Cubarsi

Having emerged as one of the best defenders at FC Barcelona, currently, prodigy star Pau Cubarsi definitely possesses the talent to become a distinguished club legend. Barca fans would hope that the defensive ace continues the same way, becoming one of the greatest players in the center-back role.