Marc Bartra talks Pau Cubarsi, Golden Boy award, Raphinha, future Barcelona return: ‘The most decisive team’

Marc Bartra talks Pau Cubarsi, Golden Boy award, Raphinha, future Barcelona return: ‘The most decisive team’ Former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra has backed Pau Cubarsi to win the Golden Boy award , while describing Hansi Flick’s side as the most decisive attacking team in world football ahead of Real Betis’ meeting with the Catalans. The 35-year-old, who now represents Betis, reflected on Barcelona’s remarkable attacking performances and the development of their young centre-back in an interview with SPORT .  Bartra also singled out Raphinha’s extraordinary form and explained what it takes to contain Barcelona’s dangerous forward line. Having experienced Barcelona from inside the dressing room, the former Blaugrana defender offered a detailed assessment of the qualities that make Flick’s team so difficult to stop. Bartra backs Cubarsi to win the Golden Boy award Bartra believes Cubarsi deserves the prestigious individual award because of his performances, consistency and maturity despite his young age.  The Barcelona defender has established himself as a regular for both his club and the Spanish national team, something Bartra considers particularly significant for a player in his position. “I’d give it to him. He’s earned it through his performances, and especially the way he conducts himself on the pitch – tactically, technically and in terms of his character – despite his young age. “There are some very good players out there, but he’s a first-team regular at Barcelona and for the Spanish national team, and as far as I’m concerned, he’s the leading contender. “It’s not easy for a defender to be awarded this sort of prize. “When all these factors come together – with this generation of players, getting playing time and consistency – the football inside you can really flourish. Bartra has backed Pau Cubarsi for Golden Boy award. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) “It’s unusual to see a player of his age in this position. What he does is hugely valuable. “I always say that I played alongside Gerard Pique, and his situation is very similar to Cubarsi’s. “I haven’t played with Cubarsi, but we’ve faced each other, and who knows, perhaps one day we’ll meet up, whether for the Catalan or Spanish national teams, to learn from one another.” Bartra names Barcelona as the most decisive attacking team Barcelona’s attacking output has been one of the defining features of their campaign, with the Catalans averaging more than four goals per match.  Bartra believes their threat extends beyond individual talent, pointing to their movement, positioning and ability to attack in different situations. “Offensively speaking, Barcelona are currently, in my view, the most decisive team in the world. “Not just because of their physicality and talent, but also because of the way they position themselves in attack, how they find space, and how they attack—whether in set-piece situations or on the counter-attack. “They have a lot of possession, and when they attack, they do so whilst in excellent physical condition. “This allows players like Raphinha, Lamine and Olmo to reach their very best. “To stop them, you need a great deal of communication, leadership and character in defence, because it’s down to everyone, not just the centre-backs. Bartra has praised Barcelona’s performance under Hansi Flick. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) “It’s about the team’s behaviour off the ball across all lines, and getting plenty of support: the centre-backs help the full-backs, the midfielders help the centre-backs, and you have to be more intuitive and focused than usual.” Raphinha becoming increasingly difficult to stop Raphinha’s current form has added another angle to Barcelona’s attack, and Bartra believes the Brazilian is operating at a level that makes him particularly difficult for defenders to contain. “At the moment, he seems unstoppable. He’s going through a brilliant spell – an absolutely stunning run. “You might be able to stop him in one moment, but in the next he’ll get past you with ease, using his dribbling and quick shooting. “He’s one of the players most capable of making a difference at the moment.” Bartra opens up on a possible Barcelona return Despite representing Betis, Bartra retains a strong emotional connection with Barcelona, where he developed as a footballer.  Asked whether he could return to the Catalan club one day, the defender explained how supporters of both teams continue to make him feel appreciated. “People say that to me a lot on the street – a lot of Betis fans, but also when I go elsewhere, Barcelona fans remember me a lot, and that makes me feel very proud. “ After all, you know what Barcelona means to me. “ And I feel proud when people remember me in Barcelona as well as at Betis, because they’re two clubs I love with all my heart,” he concluded.