Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his belief on Friday that the teenage stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have the potential to define an era in world football. Both players have been making waves in the football world, with Yamal impressing against Brazil in a friendly for Spain and Cubarsi making his debut for La Roja against Colombia.
Yamal, at 16 years old, is Spain’s youngest ever player and goalscorer, while Cubarsi, at 17 years old, is the youngest defender to play for his country. They have also been instrumental in leading a revived Barcelona side back to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in four years, as well as maintaining their hopes of defending their La Liga title.
Xavi stated in a news conference ahead of their upcoming match against Las Palmas in La Liga that maintaining their level of play is crucial as they aspire to reach the highest rung of world football. He commended both players for their mentality and capacity, pointing out that they have the potential to make a significant impact at the club and even in the broader scope of world football.
Despite their young age, Xavi noted that Yamal is very calm and mature, and that he sees the player as happy, enjoying his rise to stardom. Barcelona currently sits in second place in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, but they have the opportunity to reduce the gap to five points before their next match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on April 10.
Xavi emphasized the importance of focusing on their upcoming match against Las Palmas, stating that gaining three points is vital to putting more pressure on Real Madrid in the title race. The coach remains optimistic about the potential of his young stars and their ability to make a lasting impact in the world of football.