Barcelona‘s teenage defender Pau Cubarsí has been called up by Spain for the upcoming international friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.
Cubarsi, 17, was named man of the match in Barça’s 3-1 win over Napoli on Wednesday in what was his Champions League debut.
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He joins the senior squad from Spain’s under-17 side after impressive performances for Barça since his promotion to the first team in January.
“All of us that have watched Pau play know what player he is and can be,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente told a news conference on Friday.
“We are not as surprised as others by his performances. We know he has great potential. We don’t look at age, we focus on performances. Pau Cubarsí is at a great moment and that generates a lot of enthusiasm for us. We want to have him with us for a long time.”
Barça forward Lamine Yamal is also in Spain’s squad. Yamal, 16, has already scored two goals in four appearances for La Roja.
“I’m happy to be able to enjoy having these [Cubarsí and Yamine Lamal] young players in the squad because the future of Spanish football is guaranteed,” De La Fuente said.
“I think these players are very special, it’s not common to have players of 16 and 17 in the national team. We have selected them with conviction and confidence. They are ready. We are not afraid to select them.”
Meanwhile, De La Fuente was asked about Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz‘s decision to change international allegiances. Díaz, who made his debut with Spain’s senior team in June 2021 having already represented Spain 28 times at youth level, has now chosen to represent Morocco.
“He has decided to play for Morocco,” De La Fuente said.
“I accept it. I wish him all the best. Everyone is free to choose. I’m the coach that has selected him the most [at Spain’s youth level].”
Athletic Club defender Dani Vivian, meanwhile, has also received his first Spain call-up.
Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro is back in the fold as is Wolves midfielder Pablo Sarabia and Villarreal‘s Gerard Moreno.
Spain take on Colombia on March 22 in London before facing Brazil four days later at Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium.