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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Cubarsi praises Van Dijk</li><li>Admits he watches Liverpool man a lot</li><li>Seems to be inspired by Dutch defender</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'I pay a lot of attention to Virgil van Dijk' - Barcelona wonderkid keen to model his game on Liverpool star

Premier League

Manchester City

Liverpool

Copa del Rey

Barcelona

Atletico Madrid

<p>Barcelona defender and wonder boy Pau Cubarsi admitted that he looks up to Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk when asked if he watches other defenders, stating that he admires the Dutchman's qualities as a leader and a defender. Cubarsi is yet to face Van Dijk in a competitive fixture.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Van Dijk has firmly established himself as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, and is still going strong at the age of 33, showing no signs of slowing down.</p><p>On the other hand, Cubarsi has just started his professional career at the highest level. He turned 18 last month, but is already considered among the finest centre-backs in the world at the moment. It's fair to say that the La Masia graduate is on track to emulate Van Dijk's greatness, having become <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/barcelona-pau-cubarsi-reacts-spain-youngest-ever-defender-defeat-colombia/bltbd9cc91411fbc73e" target="_self">Spain's youngest ever debutant in defence</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>"Yes, I love watching the Premier League and I admire Van Dijk," Cubarsi told <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/pau-cubarsi-somos-familia-entrevista-114520958" target="_self">SPORT</a> during an interview. "He has amazing physical strength and defence. He's also a great leader. I pay a lot of attention to him."</p>

WHAT PAU CUBARSI SAID

<p>Cubarsi will have his task cut out in the coming days, as Barcelona face a tricky away fixture to Las Palmas on Saturday, February 22, followed by a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg encounter against Atletico Madrid.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR PAU CUBARSI?

'I pay a lot of attention to Virgil van Dijk' - Barcelona wonderkid keen to model his game on Liverpool star | Goal.com

Barcelona wonderkid Pau Cubarsi may have just revealed the defensive role model he looks up to.

&apos;I pay a lot of attention to Virgil van Dijk&apos; - Barcelona wonderkid keen to model his game on Liverpool star

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