Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona player
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Barcelona have produced several outstanding defenders from their academy over the years, and one of the latest to emerge from La Masia is Pau Cubarsi.
However, the story behind how the Catalan club first secured the defender’s signature is a fascinating one.
As such, Barcelona originally spotted Cubarsi while he was still playing for Girona at the youth level.
The person who played a key role in identifying the young defender was Dani Horcas, a coach who spent eight years working with Barcelona’s seven-a-side youth teams.
In an interview with SPORT, Horcas recalled the moment he first saw Cubarsi during a youth tournament in the Basque Country.
Barcelona’s Alevin C team was competing at the Azpeitia tournament when Girona’s young defender immediately caught his attention.
“We were with the Alevin C team at the Azpeitia Tournament in the Basque Country, and Pau Cubarsi was playing for Girona.
“We had already been following him, as you always have to keep an eye on players from Cornella, Damm, Girona, and many other Catalan clubs.
“The truth is that Cubarsi stood out in the tournament, playing at an incredible level,” he remembered.
During that same competition, there was an encounter that now sounds remarkable considering the careers of the players involved today.
Barcelona faced Girona in a match that saw Cubarsi come up directly against Yamal, who was already part of the Barcelona setup. Horcas remembered the battle between the two youngsters.
Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona player
Cubarsi was signed from Girona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
“In the match between Barça and Girona, Lamine had to fight Cubarsi on the pitch.
“Sparks flew between the two. It was a very difficult match for us, and we only managed to win on penalties.”
Barcelona eventually went on to win the tournament.
Despite facing Espanyol and Real Madrid, according to Horcas, the toughest opponent they faced throughout the competition was Girona, largely because of Cubarsi’s impressive display.
“He was an incredible centre back. I noticed how calm he was and how he brought the ball out. He didn’t kick the ball around.
“He reminded us of Eric, who had also coached him when he was Marc Serra’s assistant coach for the Alevín A team.”
After that tournament, Horcas quickly informed Barcelona’s youth coordinators about the talented defender.
Barcelona moved quickly and secured Cubarsi for their Alevin A squad ahead of the 2018–19 season.
Horcas did not coach him directly afterwards, but he closely followed his development within the academy and was impressed by how naturally he adapted to Barcelona’s style.
“I think he’s the player I’ve seen who has had the easiest time adapting to Barça’s style.
“You could see him playing the possession game that is fundamental for us, and it was as if he had been doing it for four or five years,” he concluded.
Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona
Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona fans
FC Barcelona fans