‘Xavi gave me the details to try and stop Osimhen’ - Barcelona youngster explains how he caged Super Eagles star
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Barcelona youngster explains how he caged Osimhen || Imago

‘Xavi gave me the details to try and stop Osimhen’ - Barcelona youngster explains how he caged Super Eagles star

Stephen Oladehinde 14:36 - 13.03.2024

Barcelona's rising star defender, Pau Cubarsi, showcased his defensive prowess, thwarting Napoli's lethal striker, Victor Osimhen, at every turn.

Partnering with Ronald Araujo in the heart of Barcelona's defence, the 17-year-old, in his debut Champions League appearance, displayed a masterful performance, allowing Napoli only four shots on target, with Osimhen managing just one.

Xavi’s men came out victorious with a 3-1 win over Napoli to seal a place in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League.

Xavi's Tactical Genius Pays Off

Cubarsi, a product of Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy, attributed his stellar performance to the guidance of coach Xavi Hernandez, who provided him with the necessary tools to neutralize last season's Serie A top scorer.

Pau Cubarsi || Imago
Pau Cubarsi || Imago

"Xavi gave me the details on what to do to stop Osimhen, and the fans in the stands helped us a lot, they were the 12th player. 

Pau Cubarsi tackles Osimhen || Imago
Pau Cubarsi tackles Osimhen || Imago

“It’s an honour to make my Champions League debut by winning the Man of the Match award and reaching the quarter-finals," Cubarsi revealed, as reported by Get Football Spain.

Pau Cubarsi contesting aerial duels with Osimhen || Imago
Pau Cubarsi contesting aerial duels with Osimhen || Imago

Xavi, in turn, praised Cubarsi's composure in such a high-stakes match, highlighting his ability to dictate the tempo and create opportunities for his team.

“Cubarsí was never nervous, always finding the free man. He creates time for himself, he dictates the tempo. It’s simply spectacular watching him play,” Xavi remarked.

Cubarsi's outstanding performance saw him win all six of his ground duels, particularly against Osimhen. Additionally, he made five clearances and maintained an impressive 90% pass accuracy, solidifying his status as a rising star in the football world.

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