Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy included in Spain’s centre-back shortlist | OneFootball

Barcelona started the 2023-24 season with Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez as the top candidates in central defence.

By the end of the season, however, it is young Pau Cubarsi who has established himself as a regular starter for the first team at the tender age of 17 years.

Cubarsi has made 17 starts for Barcelona in La Liga this season and has a further three starts for the side in the UEFA Champions League. In that duration, he has overseen eight clean sheets for the Blaugranas.

Key cog for Spain

Cubarsi’s stellar performances at the club level earned him a place in Luis de La Fuente’s La Roja for the first time in March.

The youngster thus made his international debut for the Spanish international team in a 1-0 defeat to Colombia before playing nine minutes in a 3-3 draw against Brazil.

Now, sources have informed Barça Universal that Cubarsi is one of the Spanish National Team manager’s top three key players for the centre-back position heading into the European Championships.

Set to be called up for the Euros. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Aymeric Laporte and Le Normand are the manager’s two other options, and it is safe to say that the teenager will likely play a big role in Spain’s campaign later this summer.

Barcelona players in abundance

While Cubarsi’s place in the international squad is all but a certainty, he will not be the only Barcelona player called up by La Fuente.

Lamine Yamal, La Masia’s other breakout sensation of the season, is all but guaranteed a place in the squad given his form and record in recent matches.

Pedri is another player the manager will look to count on next month in Germany, especially after the youngster proved his return to form with a fine brace at the weekend.

Gavi and Alejandro Balde, meanwhile, are expected to miss the tournament as they complete their recoveries from injury.

The final squad announcement is expected in the coming days.