Pau Cubarsi to make Spain debut during international break

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 March 2024

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirms that Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi will debut for the national side during the current international break.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Pau Cubarsi will make his debut for the national side during the current international break.

The 17-year-old's recent performances for Barcelona earned him a spot in the La Roja squad for their friendlies against Colombia on Friday and Brazil next week.

De la Fuente has claimed that Cubarsi, who has made 13 appearances for his club this season, "didn't miss a single pass" during his first training session with the national side.

The centre-back is now in line to make his debut for the 2010 World Cup winners against either Colombia or Brazil.

"It was his first training session at 17 years old and he didn't miss a single pass," De la Fuente told reporters on Thursday when asked about the Barcelona defender.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente before the match on November 16, 2023 © Reuters

"He has a personality and character that seem beyond his years. Let him savour this moment, it's truly special. My goal is for everyone to get a chance to play and increase their opportunities.

"It's also important to prioritise everyone's well-being, ensuring no one is overplayed. They will definitely get some game time."

Cubarsi is one of three uncapped players in the Spain squad, with Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro and Athletic Bilbao centre-back Dani Vivian also bidding to make their international debuts.

Spain have one more confirmed friendly in the diary against Andorra at the start of June, before beginning their Euro 2024 campaign against Croatia on June 15.

Spain's Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring against Scotland on October 12, 2023 © Reuters

De la Fuente was also asked bout Gavi during his press conference, with the Barcelona midfielder picking up a season-ending knee injury in Spain's last match with Georgia.

The 19-year-old is set to miss this summer's European Championship, and the Spain head coach said that the team "miss his positive energy and attitude".

"He is invaluable both on and off the field. We miss his positive energy and attitude. While we'll miss him, we have other exceptional players," added the head coach.

"I'm fortunate to have a lot of talent to choose from, and everyone will step up."

Spain will enter Friday's clash with Colombia off the back of an eight-game winning run in all competitions, and they have only lost once since being knocked out by Morocco in the last-16 stage of the 2022 World Cup.