Cubarsi champions defenders' cause but keeps his feet on the ground at home

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MADRID, Oct 1 : Pau Cubarsi wants defenders to get their share of football's glittering prizes, but a World Cup winner's medal brings no special privileges at home, where the Barcelona teenager still bickers with his sister over the housework.

The 19-year-old Spain centre back is mounting a persuasive challenge to the forwards who usually monopolise individual honours, having played every minute of his country's World Cup triumph and been named the tournament's best young player.

He now leads the Golden Boy rankings, chasing an award for Europe's best under-21 player that only one defender, Matthijs de Ligt in 2018, has won since its creation in 2003.

"It's harder for defenders to get recognition... we're less in the spotlight," Cubarsi told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

"Perhaps our work isn't as visible because, at the end of the day, the forwards score lots of goals, provide assists, play a more attractive style of football, are more eye-catching."

Spain conceded just once during the tournament and beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final, denying Lionel Messi's side a shot on target across 120 minutes.

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