Xavi is said to be uncertain about who to play alongside Ronald Araujo against Athletic Club – Inigo Martinez or Pau Cubarsi.
Let's find out who's the better option based on stats.
Defensive actions
Cubarsi has been quite better than Inigo at tackling opponents (although they both don't register many tackles) and has a slight edge over the Basque defender in the number of interceptions.
Inigo blocks, clears and recovers the ball more often than Pau.
Aerial ability
Inigo wins a bit more aerials per game and his overall percentage of aerial duels won is slightly better than Cubarsi's.
Passing and carrying
These are Cubarsi's standout attributes – like a default La Masia product, the 17-year-old is particularly good at distributing and carrying the ball.
Inigo, however, is a master of long balls and his passes and carries result in Barca's quality attacks more often.
Shot and goal creation
Inigo's stats are really impressive as he averages over one action per game that leads to a shot attempt. He has been more advanced than Cubarsi who takes fewer risks on the ball.
So who's better?
Well, if Xavi wants his centre-back to be calm and risk-free in possession, he should go for Pau Cubarsi. If he wants to use a more advanced centre-back who would create chances from deep, it's Inigo Martinez.
We believe Inigo deserves the starting spot more this weekend. Firstly, he would face his former club whose weaknesses he probably knows; secondly, Bilbao will be coming off Thursday's Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid while also having several starters, including Nico Williams, unavailable. Barca will be fresher and it makes sense to be braver offensively.
*all stats per 90 mins
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