Barcelona center-back Pau Cubarsi has been labeled a “star of the future” by TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves.
The 17-year-old commenced Barcelona‘s 3-1 triumph against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League, aiding the team’s advancement to the quarter-finals with a poised performance. Cubarsi drew comparisons to defensive legends Ronald Koeman, Carles Puyol, and Gerard Pique.
Cubarsi was labeled a “star of the future” by TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves following his contribution to Barcelona’s progression to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a victory over Napoli.
The hosts took control of the round-of-16 second leg at the Estadi Olímpic with early goals from Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo.
Amir Rrahmani provided Napoli with hope in the 30th minute, but Robert Lewandowski’s goal, scored 10 minutes from time, secured the victory for Barcelona.
Even though Barcelona leaned on experienced players to maintain the lead, manager Xavi Hernandez would have been satisfied with the performance of his young stars who began the match.
Barcelona teenagers praised
Hargreaves and fellow TNT Sports expert Glenn Hoddle were effusive in their praise for 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, as well as 17-year-old center-back Cubarsi.
The latter became the youngest defender ever to feature in a Champions League knockout match and displayed a calm and assured performance, making 68 more passes than any of his teammates, earning him the player of the match accolade.
“Incredible, incredible performance, that,” Hoddle enthused. “We watched him all night, I’m so impressed with him. His defensive work. it’s just top quality. It’s like Ronald Koeman at his best, hitting passes like that. Incredible for 17.”
Hargreaves also praised Cubarsi, drawing comparisons to Barcelona legends Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.
“This kid was picking out passes for fun,” he said. “He made look so easy. It was physical when he needed to be.
“For a Spanish centre-back to be this physical, against somebody like [Napoli’s Victor] Osimhen is quite rare”
Hargreaves added: “I mean, he’s 17 and this is his first start. He played ridiculously good, that is a star now, a star of the future.
“He’s obviously completely different from Puyol, Pique was brilliant, but I think his long range passing is better than any of those. By far.
“I mean, he’s unique. I think he’s very special. For a 17-year-old to play like that in a knockout game is rare.”
