The recent wound on Pau Cubarsi’s face has opened up a strong possibility for young defender Sergi Dominguez to start for Barcelona in their upcoming match against Real Sociedad.
At 19 years old, Dominguez has already shown promise within the Barcelona squad. With five official appearances totalling 206 minutes on the pitch this season, he has demonstrated his defensive strength during his appearance against Villarreal.
Given the uncertainty around Cubarsi’s injury, Dominguez could find himself in the starting lineup for the third time this season. His availability is an important asset for Flick, who values Dominguez’s consistency and potential in the defensive line.
This opportunity comes at a time when Dominguez’s role within the team is becoming more critical, especially with Flick keen on nurturing young talent to build a more dynamic squad.
Comparisons with Puyol
Dominguez has had the benefit of being observed closely by Flick and other Barcelona staff, and his dedication to improvement has not gone unnoticed. One of his most vocal supporters is Iban Cuadrado, his former coach in Barcelona’s Juvenil B team.
Cuadrado, a former teammate of Barcelona legend Carles Puyol, sees a clear resemblance between Dominguez and Puyol in terms of playing style and attitude. He believes that, like Puyol, Dominguez possesses immense potential to succeed at the club.
“He is a player with great potential to whom no one has given anything, who has suffered but who has his head in the right place and great defensive qualities that make me think of Puyol,” he told SPORT.
Cuadrado’s admiration for Dominguez stems from the player’s commitment, resilience, and defensive capabilities.
He sees Dominguez as someone who, despite challenges, has kept his focus and developed strong defensive qualities that remind him of Puyol’s character and reliability on the field.
Just as Puyol took advantage of every opportunity to prove himself, Dominguez has displayed a similar drive and determination, which could make him a crucial part of Barcelona’s future defence.
With Dominguez likely to step up in the absence of Cubarsi, this match could be a defining moment in his career. His performance will not only reflect his growth as a player but could also reinforce Flick’s confidence in his young defender.
This opportunity is a chance for Dominguez to solidify his place in the team and to demonstrate that he is ready to carry on Barcelona’s defensive legacy, potentially filling the shoes of the greats before him.
