How Pau Cubarsi has become an extremely influential player in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona

Barcelona’s impressive start to the 2024/25 season under Hansi Flick has been widely praised for its attacking prowess.

With 13 goals in just four matches, it is clear the team is in top form going forward. However, what often goes unnoticed is how solid they have been at the back, conceding only three goals in those same four games.

The focus on their defence has been equally crucial to their early success, and one player, in particular, has played a key role in this: Pau Cubarsi.

Cubarsi’s rise in the team has been nothing short of remarkable. Making his debut for Barcelona in January, he has since cemented his place in the starting line-up, becoming a key figure in their defensive structure.

It has been observed that at Barcelona, defenders are not expected to be just traditional centre-backs. La Masia’s philosophy is clear – every player, from the goalkeeper to the centre-forward, needs to be comfortable on the ball.

This means they are trained to have good footwork and avoid giving away possession easily. Over the years, the club has produced players who fit this mould, and Cubarsi is no exception.

A standout defender from the rest

What makes Cubarsi stand out, though, is not just his technical ability but his intelligence and vision on the pitch. He is the type of centre-back who excels in building play from the back, a crucial aspect of Barcelona’s strategy.

He can break the lines of the opposition with precise short passes, while also being able to send long balls that put his forwards in ideal positions to score.

This combination of technique, vision, and courage makes him the perfect fit for Barcelona’s style of play.

The 17-year-old showcased his skills against Valladolid, delivering an excellent performance that highlighted his unique abilities. In the build-up to the first goal, he demonstrated his passing range by perfectly spotting Raphinha’s run behind the defence.

The performance against Valladolid

His pass was measured perfectly, allowing the Brazilian forward to control the ball and finish with his left foot. This moment epitomised Cubarsi’s ability to make quick, decisive decisions that open up opportunities for his teammates.

Throughout the match, Cubarsi completed 13 progressive passes, showcasing his ability to move the ball forward effectively.

Across the first four games of the season, he has already completed 22 progressive passes. Against Valladolid, he was the second-highest passer in the team with 68 passes, only behind Inigo Martinez, who made 95.

Yet, the distinction is clear – while Martinez did not feature in the top five for progressive passes, Cubarsi ranked fourth, only trailing behind players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Jules Kounde.

When Barcelona find themselves in the opponent’s half and under little pressure, Cubarsi becomes the key orchestrator of their attacks.

His ability to disguise his intentions and deliver sharp, vertical passes makes him an essential part of their build-up play. Against Valladolid, his accuracy was on full display, completing 68 out of 72 passes successfully.

Overall numbers are more than impressive

Cubarsi’s overall passing statistics are equally impressive. So far this season, he has completed 285 passes with a success rate of 93%. This level of consistency is crucial in ensuring Barcelona maintain possession and control the tempo of the game.

But he is not just a passer. His positioning and ability to anticipate and cut out opposition attacks have also been vital for the team’s defensive solidity.

Despite his youth, which sometimes leads to impulsive decisions, his talent is undeniable, and with experience, he will only get better.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi once said, “When Cubarsi has the ball, my heart rate doesn’t go up.” This is a testament to the youngster’s composure and reliability on the ball.

Hansi Flick seems to share the same confidence in the defender, as Cubarsi has started in all four of Barcelona’s official matches this season.

His performances have been so convincing that Koundé, who previously hoped to cement his place as a centre-back, is no longer competing for the position.

Words of praise for Cubarsi

It’s not just Xavi and Flick who are impressed by Cubarsi. His teammates and opponents also have high praise for him. The likes of Pedri and Raphinha have spoken highly of him in the recent past.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde acknowledged the teenager’s quality earlier this season when he said:

“We wanted to stop Barça from playing out from the back but it was almost impossible because Pau Cubarsi didn’t miss a single pass.”

In just a few months, Cubarsi has evolved into one of Barcelona’s most essential players. His technical skill, tactical awareness, and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a standout player in Hansi Flick’s squad.

As the season progresses, his continued development will be key to Barcelona’s success on both the domestic and European stages.