Barcelona’s Cubarsi says Rodri can unlock a higher level in Europe

Pau Cubarsi believes Rodri can take Barcelona to “another level” after the midfielder made his first appearance for the club in Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

The Spain international was praised by Barcelona’s young centre-back after being asked about the impact of the club’s new arrival and how quickly he had adapted to the team’s footballing style.

“Rodri is the typical Barcelona holding midfielder,” Cubarsi said in comments published by Tribuna.

“Marc Bernal and Gavi can also play in that position and have had great seasons, but Rodri can take us to another level, whether that is through competing with his team-mates, motivating us or taking on a leadership role within the squad.”

Rodri’s first appearance for Barcelona came on the same day as the draw for the league phase of the Champions League, which handed the Catalan side a demanding set of fixtures.

Barcelona will host Manchester City, Aston Villa, Feyenoord and Como at home. Their away matches will be against Paris Saint-Germain, Sporting Lisbon, Galatasaray and Sabah Baku.

Despite the quality of the opponents awaiting Barcelona in Europe, Cubarsi said the squad remained fully confident in its ability to compete.

“We had a quick look at the draw, but we did not focus on it too much because our attention was on the match against Athletic Bilbao,” he said.

“Now we will look at the draw in more detail, but we are not afraid of anyone. We are Barcelona, the best club in the world, and we will go to any stadium away from home, or welcome any team that comes here, in order to put on a great performance.”

Barcelona’s victory over Athletic Bilbao provided the immediate focus for the players, with the Champions League schedule taking a secondary role until after the domestic fixture had been completed.

Cubarsi’s comments underline the expectations surrounding Rodri’s arrival, with the defender highlighting not only the midfielder’s ability in the holding role but also his potential influence on the wider squad. He pointed to the competition Rodri could create for Bernal and Gavi, as well as the motivation and leadership he could bring to the team.

The Champions League league phase will now give Barcelona a series of high-profile tests, including home meetings with Manchester City and Aston Villa and a trip to face Paris Saint-Germain. The club will also travel to Sporting Lisbon, Galatasaray and Sabah Baku, while Feyenoord and Como will visit Barcelona.

Cubarsi insisted that the strength of the draw had not created fear within the Barcelona camp. Instead, he said the club intended to approach each fixture with the confidence expected of a side competing at the highest level of European football.