'Plays like a captain' – Xavi hails 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi after Barcelona's win over Real Mallorca

Barcelona boss Xavi hailed teenager Pau Cubarsi's captain-like performance in their 1-0 win over Mallorca.

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• Barcelona beat Mallorca 1-0
• Cubarsi shines in clean sheet win
• Xavi praises teenage defender

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lamine Yamal, 16, bagged a late winner to secure Barca all three points on Friday night. Manager Xavi praised the teenager's display, while also lauding the mature performance of 17-year-old defender Cubarsi.

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  WHAT XAVI SAID

  The Barca boss told La Liga TV: "Today he had two very powerful strikers in front of him. He had an amazing game. He is playing like a captain, it's amazing. The personality that he showed for the team, I think it was spectacular today."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  For all of Barca's financial troubles and below-par performances this season, with the Catalan giants five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid, the future of the club is very bright with the likes of academy stars Cubarsi, Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, and more, shining in the first team.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Barcelona's young stars could be in action once again on Tuesday at home to Napoli in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie. The two teams played out a 1-1 draw in Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last time out.