Pau Cubarsi: Things to know about promising Barcelona defender

The 2023/24 season has been far from a vintage one for Barcelona.

With their La Liga title defence in tatters, no hope of domestic cup glory and unconvincing performances in Europe, there's been little to shout about for manager Xavi, who will leave his role at the end of the season.

It hasn't all been doom and gloom in Catalonia, however.

Legendary former midfielder Xavi has leant on La Masia throughout the campaign, with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez getting regular minutes alongside established youngsters Pedri and Gavi. Another fledgling starlet is Pau Cubarsi, who was born in 2007 but already getting minutes at centre-back.

Here's what you need to know about the teenage defender.

Given he's still a baby in football terms, it'd be wise not to put too much pressure on 17-year-old Cubarsi to avoid sending expectations into orbit.

That said, teammate Ronald Araujo has seen parts of the youngster's game that compare well with club legend Gerard Pique, who made over 600 appearances for Barca, winning nine La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

«I learned a lot from Pique, especially his intelligence. Geri was not fast, but he was very smart, he was always in the right position,» said Araujo.

«Technically, he always offered a solution. He reminds me a little bit of Pau Cubarsi, because he has something of him, he's very smart. The truth is that he has unbelievable talent at just 17 years old. The truth is that I think he should be taken care of, because he is a talent at the club for many years to come.»

Barca's financial difficulties are infamous, with seemingly no player off limits if the price is right.

Cubarsi's emergence has put a few Premier League sides on red alert, with the defender available for