Pau Cubarsí: Barcelona's Rafa Márquez Regen

Barcelona will consider the 23/24 season a missed opportunity, however, the emergence of La Blaugrana's latest crop of young talent will be seen as a huge silver lining. Real Madrid are, at the time of writing, possibly just three games away from securing their 36th La Liga title…something Barcelona will consider a huge failing on their behalf.

With PSG able to overcome the Spanish giants in the UCL Quarter Finals and a shock loss to Athletic Club back in January ending Barcelona’s Copa del Rey hopes there has not been much to celebrate for La Azulgranas this season. However, the emergence of Héctor Fort, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí will be seen as a rare success this season.

Since 2017, only two La Liga players have scored 0.40+ non-penalty expected goals and 0.40+ expected assisted goals per 90 minutes in the same season:-Lionel Messi (17/18, 18/19, 19/20)-Raphinha (22/23, 23/24)@fc_mossman on Barça's Brazilian winger: https://t.co/L5C1sFoSHypic.twitter.com/yxePTa26fG— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) April 18, 2024

Much of the spotlight has been on 16-year-old Lamine Yamal who has contributed an impressive six goals and eight assists for Xavi this season despite only making his first senior start for Barcelona back in August. However, 17-year-old, Girona-born, centre back Pau Cubarsí has looked just as impressive in a tactically more demanding role.