Pau Cubarsí

Set to start in defense

Cubarsi has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to form the first-choice central defensive partnership alongside Aymeric Laporte throughout the competition.

Analysis: Cubarsi ended an extraordinary season at just 19 years old, making 48 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and contributing one goal as part of a La Liga title-winning side that conceded just 28 goals throughout the campaign. The teenage center-back brings composure on the ball, aerial ability and a maturity completely uncharacteristic of his age, having already established himself as one of the best defenders in world football despite still being a teenager. Cubarsi heads into the World Cup as one of the most exciting young players in the tournament and a potential cornerstone of Spain's defensive line for the next decade.