The World Cup group stage is complete, and the knockout rounds have already claimed several European heavyweights.
Barcelona's influence on the tournament has also taken a hit. Ronald Araújo exited without playing a single minute, while Frenkie de Jong saw his World Cup end in heartbreaking fashion.
Statistics outlet Squawka has compiled a list of every player to feature in every minute of the group stage, with a select group of outfield players and goalkeepers completing all 270 minutes. The list contains some big names and some players that are vital to their country, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Achraf Hakimi, Virgil van Dijk, Arda Güler and Manuel Neuer all listed.
Among them, only one Barcelona player managed the feat. With his national team relying heavily on his performances, he has been ever-present throughout the tournament. Can you guess which Barcelona star has played every minute of the World Cup so far?
Making a name for himself on the world stage
Could it be Pedri? Could it be Jules Koundé? Or could it be Lamine Yamal? The answer is no. Instead, it is Pau Cubarsí, who has played every minute of Spain's World Cup campaign so far, helping his side keep three consecutive clean sheets and top their group to reach the knockout stages.
It is exactly the kind of consistency you would expect from a team like Spain. Playing in his first World Cup, Cubarsí has racked up more than 315 touches and 16 recoveries across the group stage, with Spain's backline rarely troubled. His passing accuracy exceeded 98% in multiple matches, while he and Aymeric Laporte have served as the foundation of Spain's build-up play.
The 19-year-old centre-back was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge during Spain's final group-stage match against Uruguay, with Agustín Canobbio shown a straight red card for the tackle. Fortunately for Spain, Cubarsí avoided serious injury and is expected to be fit for tomorrow's Round of 32 clash with Austria.
If Spain go all the way in the United States and Cubarsí remains injury-free, he is well placed to play every minute of their World Cup campaign. Such consistency would underline his importance to the side and further establish him as one of the key figures in what Spain hope will be a title-winning tournament.
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