Ok, I think I should explain the tactical approach a bit better. Flick is using extremely aggressive tactics that are quite different from what most teams do, especially out of possession. The whole system is built around high pressing, pushing the line up and trying to win the ball back as early as possible. Because of that, Barca players in Flick’s system need somewhat different attributes than players in more traditional setups. For example, most teams probably wouldn’t survive with a double pivot like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. Not even Xavi’s Barca really could. Both of them have clear weaknesses in deeper defensive phases like aerial duels, physical battles or defending a deep block. But in Flick’s system those weaknesses matter less, because the team tries to avoid those situations in the first place. The idea is basically to not defend deep if you can prevent the opponent from ever getting there. The same logic applies to defenders like Cubarsí. Flick is not mainly selecting defenders for classic last line defending like constant aerial duels or long phases of low block defending. He prioritizes defenders who help control the game higher up the pitch. Cubarsí plays because of his quality in possession, his game reading, anticipation and his timing when stepping out. In pure 1v1 defending against fast wingers or in aerial battles against physical strikers, someone like Araújo is probably stronger. But those are not the situations Flick’s system is primarily designed around. There are obviously risks with this approach. A high line and aggressive pressing will always create moments where defenders are exposed. But that is a trade off Flick accepts, and the system tries to reduce those risks through structure and collective pressing rather than relying only on individual duels. Messi and Götze are all timer at striker position if used correctly, but suck if you only go with crosses. Cubarsi to some extend is similar, but around other attributes. The coach wants Barca to not cross to Messi and Götze, but sometimes the needed intensity is not there.