‘Osimhen has changed’ — What Barcelona’s Cubarsi said about Super Eagles star

​Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Matchday 2 clash against the Turkish champions at RAMS Park in Istanbul, the 19-year-old Spanish international delivered a glowing assessment of the Nigerian forward.

​While Osimhen has swapped the sky blue of Napoli for the red and yellow of Galatasaray, Cubarsí insisted the striker’s ability remains undiminished.

​"Yes, in the end, I played against… against Osimhen a while ago… in the Champions League. And as I always say, he is a player of great quality," Cubarsí stated. 

"He has changed a bit because since that time at Napoli the truth is that… there have been many changes, but he continues in the same way, with the same ambition."

Pau Cubarsi: "Osimhen dünyanın en iyi forvetlerinden birisi." https://t.co/MchXSAdRrU

​The defender stressed that the entire Barcelona backline must remain on high alert to contain the 27-year-old.

​"Because we know that he is one of the best center-forwards in the world… and we will give everything so that he doesn’t make things difficult for us," Cubarsí concluded.

​Cubarsí’s measured praise is rooted in a career-defining performance against the Nigerian striker two and a half years ago.

​In March 2024, former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández shocked European football by handing a 17-year-old Cubarsí his UEFA Champions League debut in a decisive Round of 16 second-leg tie against Napoli. 

Pau Cubarsi contesting aerial duels with Osimhen || Imago Tasked with stopping Osimhen, who was arriving on a fierce goalscoring run, the teenager delivered a defensive masterclass.

​Cubarsí restricted Osimhen to a single shot on target, completing 90% of his passes, winning 100% of his duels and initiating attacks from the back as Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory. 

The flawless execution earned the academy graduate the Man of the Match award and officially announced his arrival on the global stage.

​However, Cubarsí will face a rejuvenated and fully motivated Osimhen on Tuesday. The striker had a blistering start to the 2026/27 campaign, registering six goals and two assists across his first four matches. 

However, a groin injury suffered against Istanbul Başakşehir sidelined him for over a month, Osimhen returned to competitive action on Friday, October 9.

​Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk carefully managed the forward’s integration, introducing him as a late substitute during a domestic clash against Kasımpaşa. 

Despite playing just a 13-minute cameo, Osimhen made an immediate impact, providing an assist for Mario Lemina to cap off a 3-1 victory for the 10-man hosts.

​With his match sharpness returning just in time for the European fixture, Osimhen will be expected to play a key role as Cim-Bom hope to secure their first result of the campaign.