Xavi feels Barca starlets Yamal, Cubarsi can define world football era

XAVI Hernandez, the coach of Barcelona, on Friday (29) opined that teenage talents Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have the potential to shape an entire era in world football.

Yamal's impressive performance against Brazil in a recent friendly for Spain, along with Cubarsi's debut for La Roja against Colombia last week and subsequent appearance against the five-time World Cup champions, have captured attention.

Both players have emerged as vital assets for a resurgent Barcelona squad, which has returned to the Champions League quarter-finals after a four-year absence and maintains slim aspirations of retaining their La Liga crown.

At 16, Yamal is Spain's youngest ever player and goal-scorer, while the 17-year-old Cubarsi is the youngest ever defender to play for his country.

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Pau Cubarsi of Spain controls the ball during the friendly match between Spain and Brazil at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

"They have to maintain their level -- Barca is the highest rung of world football," Xavi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's (30) clash with Las Palmas in La Liga.

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"Many have arrived (at elite level), but maintaining it is very difficult, but they can, they have everything, the mentality, the capacity, I think we're looking at two players who can define an era at the club, and even in world football."

He also praised winger Yamal for his composure and maturity, despite his sudden rise to prominence.

"On a mental level I see him as a happy kid, a joker, he's enjoying it more and more, I see he is happy," added Xavi.

Barcelona, second, are eight points behind leaders Real Madrid in the top flight, but can cut the gap to five before Los Blancos face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday (31).

Barcelona's next match after this weekend will be Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on April 10 in Paris.

"I'm more worried about (Las Palmas) than the game against PSG, which is a fair few days away," Xavi said.

"We're focussed on tomorrow, it's vital to gain three points to put more pressure on Real Madrid."

(With AFP inputs)