Academy coach Joel Vila has recalled working with Pau Cubarsi at Girona.

The defender came through the system at Girona before being signed by Barcelona.

“I remember that stage and Pau was already leading, he played with self-confidence and he continues to do the same in the Primera Division. It is not easy to find guys like that," Joel tells AS.

“He has a lot of confidence to defend against forwards that are more powerful and bigger than him. It is something that has not been seen in Can Barça for many years.

“I see Pau and I think of Puyol, not so much on a technical level, they are the day and the night, but at the level of leadership and self-confidence."