Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, spoke glowingly on Friday about the potential of two rising stars, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, hinting that they could usher in a new era in global football.
Yamal, just 16, stole the spotlight with his mesmerising performance against Brazil in a recent friendly for Spain. Meanwhile, Cubarsi, at 17, showcased his talent during his debut for La Roja against Colombia, and also against the five-time World Cup champions.
Both prodigies have emerged as pivotal figures in a resurgent Barcelona squad, marking the club's return to the Champions League quarterfinals after a four-year hiatus while still clinging onto slim hopes of retaining their La Liga crown.
Addressing the media ahead of Barcelona's clash with Las Palmas in La Liga, Xavi emphasised the importance of maintaining excellence at Barca, hailing it as the pinnacle of world football.
Expressing his confidence in Yamal and Cubarsi, Xavi remarked, "They have the potential to define an era at the club and beyond."
Xavi provided insight into Yamal's demeanour, describing the young winger as remarkably composed and mature for his age, despite his sudden rise to prominence. "Mentally, he exudes joy and a carefree spirit, relishing every moment," Xavi remarked.
While Barcelona trails Real Madrid by eight points in the league standings, Xavi remained focused on the immediate challenge posed by Las Palmas, stressing the importance of securing three points to intensify the pressure on their arch-rivals.
Looking ahead, Xavi acknowledged the looming encounter against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League but maintained his focus on the task at hand, prioritising the upcoming league fixture.
With Xavi's unwavering guidance and the emergence of young talents like Yamal and Cubarsi, Barcelona's future appears poised for brilliance, promising a captivating era in both club and world football.
