Pau Cubarsi explains how La Masia influenced his Barcelona playing style: ‘They don’t just train footballers’

Pau Cubarsi explains how La Masia influenced his Barcelona playing style: ‘They don’t just train footballers’ Pau Cubarsi believes his time at La Masia has influenced almost every important part of his footballing identity, from his confidence in possession to the values and competitiveness he brings to Barcelona. The centre-back has become one of the most exciting young defenders at the club since making his first-team debut in January 2024.  Speaking to UEFA TV , Cubarsi explained that his ability to build attacks from defence is one of the clearest products of his academy education. “I think what defines me most is my ability to play the ball out from the back, something I’ve learnt here, in the Barça youth academy.” Cubarsi learned football the Barça way Barcelona’s academy places major emphasis on controlling matches through possession, with defenders expected to contribute to the build-up rather than simply defend their own box. Cubarsi explained that this philosophy was introduced to him and his teammates from an early age. “We’ve been controlling the tempo of the match and building play from the back since we were very young, and that’s what really defines my style of play.” For Cubarsi, though, La Masia offered much more than tactical education. The defender believes the academy helped shape his character away from the pitch as well. Cubarsi has become a defensive leader for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “Here, they don’t just train footballers; they also teach you to be a great person.” Life at La Masia shaped Cubarsi The Barcelona defender also remembers the relationships formed during his academy years, particularly the experience of living and growing alongside other young players. “I think that mix of training, building camaraderie with everyone living there, helping one another and, above all, having dinner with the friends you train with and having a good time is something wonderful that stays with you forever.” Cubarsi has carried that foundation into the first team. He approaches training with maximum intensity and believes consistently doing the right things is key to earning a manager’s confidence. “If you focus on doing things right every day, then you’ll earn the manager’s trust.” Barcelona defender reveals competitive side Since his debut, Cubarsi says he has developed physically and tactically, while becoming more competitive. Cubarsi has talked about life at La Masia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “I’ve gained a bit more experience and I’ve also put on muscle mass; I’m more physically robust now.  “What’s more, I’ve become more competitive. I think I’ve become a better footballer and I have a much clearer understanding of things.” That competitiveness, he insists, has always been part of his personality. “From the outside I might seem like a little angel, but when I have to get angry or something happens that I don’t like, that’s when I show my true colours.” The defender’s competitive streak extends well beyond football, too, as Cubarsi admits losing is something he simply cannot accept. “I can’t stand losing whether it’s in football, at home when I’m playing a board game, or even when I’m playing snooker with my dad. I never want to lose,” he concluded.