“Very special and very rare” - Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany names one Barcelona star as ‘future leader’ in world football
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has lavished praise on Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League showdown against the Catalans. The two sides will clash later today, October 23, at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium.
One player who is expected to play a key role in keeping Bayern Munich's lethal front line at bay is young Barca center-back Cubarsi. The Spaniard has been a regular figure in defense for Hansi Flick's side.
Cubarsi, 17, has enjoyed a solid defensive partnership with Inigo Martinez in the absence of vice-captain Ronald Araujo and Danish defender Andreas Christensen. The youngster has made a total of 12 appearances for Barcelona this season, helping the Blaugrana record four clean sheets across all competitions.
Cubarsi's performances haven't gone under the radar. Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany tipping the Spaniard to be one of the future defensive leaders in world football. Ahead of his side's Champions League clash against Barca, Kompany said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Pau Cubarsí is one of the future defensive leaders in world football for sure. Not just playing for Barça, but against the level of opposition at his age is very special and very rare."
Barcelona youngster names club legend Carlos Puyol as his role model
Pau Cubarsi recently expressed his admiration for club icon Carlos Puyol, stressing that he would love to have the former club captain's leadership skills and personality.
Puyol, who spent his entire senior career with the Blaugrana between 1999 and 2014, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the club's history. He also captained the Barca senior team and was a dominant figure on the pitch as well as in the dressing room.
Such qualities appear to have had an impact on the 17-year-old Barcelona center-back, Cubarsi, who revealed that he would love to emulate Puyol at Barca. Speaking to El Periodico de Espana, Cubarsi said:
"My goal is to have Puyol’s personality and leadership both on and off the pitch. He is a leader who tries to help his teammates, and if things go bad he encourages them, and if things go good he pushes the team. For me, he is a role model."
Cubarsi's leadership qualities are already earning praise, with Bayern Munich manager Kompany tipping the Barca defender to be one of the future leaders in world football.