'I pay a lot of attention to Virgil van Dijk' - Barcelona wonderkid keen to model his game on Liverpool star

Barcelona defender and wonder boy Pau Cubarsi admitted that he looks up to Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk when asked if he watches other defenders, stating that he admires the Dutchman's qualities as a leader and a defender. Cubarsi is yet to face Van Dijk in a competitive fixture.

Van Dijk has firmly established himself as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, and is still going strong at the age of 33, showing no signs of slowing down.

On the other hand, Cubarsi has just started his professional career at the highest level. He turned 18 last month, but is already considered among the finest centre-backs in the world at the moment. It's fair to say that the La Masia graduate is on track to emulate Van Dijk's greatness, having become Spain's youngest ever debutant in defence.

"Yes, I love watching the Premier League and I admire Van Dijk," Cubarsi told SPORT during an interview. "He has amazing physical strength and defence. He's also a great leader. I pay a lot of attention to him."

Cubarsi will have his task cut out in the coming days, as Barcelona face a tricky away fixture to Las Palmas on Saturday, February 22, followed by a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg encounter against Atletico Madrid.