Barcelona's rising star Pau Cubarsi has revealed his admiration for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, expressing his desire to model his game after the Dutch stalwart. The 18-year-old wonderkid, who recently became Spain's youngest-ever defensive debutant, has been making waves in European football with his impressive performances for the Catalan giants.
In a recent interview with SPORT, Cubarsi openly discussed his appreciation for van Dijk's style of play. "Yes, I love watching the Premier League and I admire Van Dijk," the young defender stated. "He has amazing physical strength and defence. He's also a great leader. I pay a lot of attention to him."
Van Dijk, at 33, continues to demonstrate why he's considered one of the greatest defenders of his generation, maintaining his high-level performances without showing any signs of decline. The Liverpool center-back's influence extends beyond the Premier League, inspiring the next generation of defenders, including La Masia graduate Cubarsi.
Despite his youth, Cubarsi has already established himself as one of the most promising center-backs in world football. While he has yet to face his role model Van Dijk in a competitive fixture, the teenage defender will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his abilities in the coming weeks. Barcelona faces crucial fixtures against Las Palmas in La Liga on Saturday, February 22, followed by a challenging Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
The parallel between the established veteran and the emerging talent highlights the continuing evolution of defensive excellence in European football, with Cubarsi potentially following in the footsteps of his Dutch idol.
