FC Barcelona star Pau Cubarsi continued his sensational run with his first call-up to the Spanish team.
Cubarsi has retained his starting place at Barcelona in recent weeks despite only being called up due to injury, and the 17-year-old has impressed. Xavi Hernandez has praised his maturity and decisiveness, and the teenager will remain in the first team until the end of the season. After representing Spain at three levels, Cubarsi moved quickly from the U17s to Luis de la Fuente’s side.
De la Fuente has gained a reputation for integrating young talents into his plans, having introduced Cubarsi’s Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal at the age of 16 in September. The move set a new benchmark for La Roja, as Lamine Yamal broke a new joint record by becoming the youngest scorer and youngest player for the Spanish team in an opening victory against Georgia, at age 16 years and 57 days.
Cubarsi makes Sergio Ramos forget
Cubarsi thus becomes the third player having played the fewest matches in the first division to be called up for the Spanish team, behind his compatriot from FC Barcelona Gavi.
The Catalan centre-back also ushers in a new era for defenders, with Sergio Ramos having held this record since March 2005, having made his debut at 18, following 40 matches for Sevilla.
