This article contains affiliate links, and we will receive a commission on any sales generated from it. Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal made a significant impact for Barcelona in the recent Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain. The duo, aged 17 and 16, performed exceptionally well in Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over the French champions. Cubarsi, in particular, impressed in defense by limiting Kylian Mbappe’s opportunities to two shots.
Meanwhile, Yamal showcased his skills in the attacking third, building on his previous strong performances in La Liga. Barcelona’s comeback in Paris was fueled by goals from Raphinha and Andreas Christensen, ultimately giving them an advantage to take back to Catalonia. However, it was the performances of Cubarsi and Yamal that caught the attention of many, with the TNT Sports’ commentary team even jokingly suggesting that PSG should check the duo’s passports to verify their ages due to their mature displays. Commentators Darren Fletcher and Lucy Ward praised the Barcelona academy for preparing players like Yamal and Cubarsi to perform at the highest level.
Fletcher also mentioned that Owen Hargreaves compared Cubarsi’s qualities to those of Barcelona icon Ronald Koeman, highlighting the teenager’s defensive abilities and exceptional distribution skills. Overall, Cubarsi and Yamal’s performances have garnered praise and attention, positioning them as promising talents for Barcelona’s future.