Pau Cubarsí and Eric Garcia formed one of Barcelona's most harmonious center-back duos during the 2025/26 season. Their performances earned high praise from former Barcelona defender and Barcelona Atlètic captain Arnau Comas, who believes they perfectly fit Hansi Flick’s style.
Both players developed through Barcelona's academy and internal structures, including Barcelona Atlètic. Cubarsí stands out with his young age combined with impressive tactical intelligence. Eric Garcia, the more experienced of the two, has shown steady physical and technical growth over recent years.
Cubarsí’s playing style is based on skillful ball handling and tactical acumen, qualities highly valued by a club emphasizing possession and combinative play. He confidently deals with pressing and builds attacks from the backline. Garcia is noted for his versatility and physical strength, contributing not only defensively but also in attack. Neither player is particularly tall, lacking the stature of typical towering defenders, but their mobility and game understanding compensate well.
Within Barcelona’s current squad, Cubarsí and Garcia compete alongside Gerard Martín, who also demonstrated remarkable adaptation and consistency this season. This trio provides the club with flexibility in central defense without needing to recruit taller defenders who may not suit Hansi Flick’s playing philosophy.
Given this, Cubarsí and Garcia are expected to remain key figures in Barcelona’s defense for the upcoming seasons. Their ability to control the ball and tactical savvy make them indispensable for a coach building a team around active ball possession and compactness. Barcelona can rely on them as a defensive foundation, and their progress promises to strengthen the collective defense and raise the team's overall security at the back.
