In a team as prestigious as Barcelona, few elements go unnoticed; yet, the defensive partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin has managed to fly under the radar.
Quietly and without much fanfare, Cubarsi and Martin have become a reliable and increasingly indispensable centre-back duo under Hansi Flick.
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What truly enhances their partnership is their seamless interplay; they not only provide defensive solidity, but also complement each other exceptionally well.
Flick has capitalized on their capability to build play from the back, with Cubarsi confidently holding the right side due to his strong right foot, while Gerard brings balance on the left.
This equilibrium has enabled Barcelona to maintain possession fluidity without sacrificing their structural integrity.
Notable Performances
Both defenders have notably excelled during matches at St. James’ Park and followed up with another commendable performance against Sevilla.
They further showcased their skills in the return leg against Newcastle at the Spotify Camp Nou, where their influence on the team’s style of play is starting to be acknowledged by the fans.
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On an individual level, Cubarsi has been a reliable presence, starting 36 of Barcelona’s 39 matches this season and exhibiting impressive discipline with only three yellow cards.
Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi have made significant contributions to Barcelona’s success. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
After being rested against Levante in February, Cubarsi has bounced back by completing six consecutive full matches.
Martin’s role has also been crucial; despite facing a suspension against Villarreal, he has since participated in five full matches, all as a left-sided centre-back.
With 82 appearances for the first team, his responsibilities have notably increased compared to last season, reflecting Flick’s increasing confidence in him.
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Moreover, Cubarsi leads the league in successful passes with 1,931, surpassing notable players like Marcos Alonso and Daley Blind.
While Martin has started 26 of 40 matches this season, his fewer minutes haven’t hindered his standing among top performers in this area, as he continues to excel at reading the game.
Physically, Martin boasts the highest success rate in aerial duels in the league at 71.43%, with Cubarsi also ranking impressively in this category.
The most telling statistic is that together, Cubarsi and Martin have conceded only one headed goal, marking a standout record among Europe’s top five leagues.