‘He’s earned it’: Xavi on handing Barcelona teenager his UCL debut vs Napoli
Barcelona announced their starting XI for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Napoli a while ago.
And the lineup revealed an interesting selection made by manager Xavi Hernandez as he opted to start Pau Cubarsi in defence ahead of the experienced Inigo Martinez.
As such, Cubarsi, 17, is now set to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League, as a starter no less, that too in a do-or-die encounter.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Xavi spoke about selecting Cubarsi, stating that the La Masia graduate deserved to start.
“He’s earned it. It’s what he generates: security, leadership, the peace of mind that comes from having him in the team…,” said Xavi about Cubarsi.
Another interesting selection decision from Xavi sees Raphinha get the nod ahead of Joao Felix. Explaining the call, the manager said:
“Rapha is very good in depth, he has a shot. Fermín has more control, calmness and shooting as well. He can give us that pause now that we are lacking midfielders of high calibre,” he remarked.
On what he is expecting to see from Napoli on the night, Xavi said: “In the end they are looking to be protagonists with the ball, like us. Playing from the back, pressing high, they are a physical team….
“Whoever dominates the game the most will win a lot. We have to try to be more effective than in the first leg, when we were better but didn’t take advantage of it.”
“We know they’re going to be on top form. It’s up to us to show what we can do and our identity. Let’s see if we make it to the quarter-finals after four seasons,” he added.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
