Is La Masia's New Wonderkid Pau Cubarsí the Next Carles Puyol?
Every so often, a talent emerges from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy that immediately sparks comparisons to a club legend. In 2025, that talent is Pau Cubarsí, and the name on everyone's lips is Carles Puyol. The young defender has taken the football world by storm, leading many to ask: could this teenage sensation truly be the heir to Puyol's iconic throne? My take is that while it’s a monumental ask, it's a possibility, but the shadow of Puyol's legacy is vast. Pau Cubarsí's Meteoric Ascent At just 18 years old, Pau Cubarsí has rocketed from La Masia's youth ranks to a pivotal role in Barcelona's first team. His composure on the ball is startlingly mature for his age, boasting an incredible passing range that belies his inexperience. Cubarsí reads the game with the intelligence of a veteran, often intercepting danger before it fully materializes. His defensive positioning, tactical understanding, and ability to play out from the back have quickly m...