Cádiz Star Defends Xavi's Barça Vision, Praises Yamal & Cubarsí

In a candid interview with Spanish publication SPORT, Robert Navarro, a former La Masia graduate and current Cádiz CF player, delved into the ongoing transformation at his former club, FC Barcelona, under the leadership of Xavi Hernández. Offering an insider’s perspective, Navarro shed light on Xavi’s impact, the meteoric rise of young talents Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, and Barcelona’s prospects in the ongoing La Liga title race.

Navarro, who departed La Masia in 2019 to join AS Monaco’s youth ranks, acknowledged the challenges aspiring youngsters face in breaking into Barcelona’s star-studded first team. “You felt that it was impossible to reach the first team,” he admitted, reflecting on the decision that led him and several peers, including Sergio Gómez, Eric García, and Bernabé, to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Despite his eventual departure, Navarro harbors no ill will towards his formative club, instead expressing admiration for Xavi’s methodical approach to reshaping the Blaugrana. “I think the media has given Barcelona more criticism than they deserve. Xavi’s work is very, very meticulous, and he does things exceptionally well,” the 27-year-old asserted, lending his support to the Barcelona legend’s ongoing project.

Shifting the conversation to the club’s burgeoning young talents, Navarro couldn’t help but gush over the rapid development of defensive stalwart Pau Cubarsí and midfield maestro Lamine Yamal – two players he encountered during his time at La Masia. “To Pau, I didn’t know him, and he’s surprising me a lot. His ball distribution is spectacular, and in defense, I think, ‘He’s going to pocket Osimhen.’ And the guy holds his ground, he goes into duels. I congratulate him,” Navarro remarked, praising Cubarsí’s tenacity and composure at the heart of Barcelona’s backline.

As for Yamal, Navarro’s admiration dates back to their shared days in the fabled La Masia academy. “And Lamine, I had already ‘signed’ him. I remember being in Sanse with him when he was 17, and I showed him a video of Martín Zubimendi and said to him: ‘Look at this boy. I haven’t seen anyone in La Masia do what this boy does.’ He’s incredible; he can mark an era,” the Cádiz star enthused, underscoring Yamal’s prodigious talent and potential to etch his name in Barcelona’s illustrious history.

Turning his attention to Barcelona’s prospects in the hotly contested La Liga title race, Navarro remained pragmatic yet optimistic. “The League? In football, anything can happen, as long as they keep believing and achieving victories,” he stated, acknowledging the ever-present unpredictability that permeates the beautiful game.

As the interview drew to a close, Navarro couldn’t resist expressing his fondness for Barcelona’s current crop of stars, singling out Yamal and Pedri as players he particularly enjoys watching. “I enjoy watching Lamine; I like this street-style football. I remember when I was at Barcelona and saw Neymar or Iniesta – that’s what I liked. Now, I also like Pedri,” he concluded, paying homage to the flair and artistry that have become synonymous with the Catalan giants.

With his unique perspective as a former La Masia prodigy and seasoned La Liga campaigner, Robert Navarro’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the ongoing revolution at Barcelona. As Xavi continues to shape his vision, nurturing the next generation of talents exemplified by Yamal and Cubarsí, the future looks increasingly promising for the storied club, both on and off the pitch.