FC Barcelona have a strong case to make in terms of the quality depth they possess this season as compared to their previous campaign. Now possessing specialists in almost every position, Barcelona have less and less need to have their players showcase their versatility and perform out-of-position.
One player in particular who has heavily benefited from this improved squad depth is none other than French defender Jules Kounde, as highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT. The center-back, formerly from Sevilla, has arguably come into his best form for Barcelona since arriving last summer.
In his favorite position
Previously deployed as a right-back in the 2022/23 campaign, the Frenchman has seen Xavi Hernandez keep his word of primarily using him as a central defender once Barcelona recruits a proper right-back. This season, the arrival of Joao Cancelo has been a blessing in itself but has also allowed Kounde to play his preferred role and enabled him to be much more efficient.
Impenetrable in one-on-ones
Statistically, Jules Kounde is yet to be dribbled past by any player this season. Having faced the likes of Getafe, Villarreal, Cadiz, Osasuna, Real Betis, Celta Vigo, Mallorca, and most recently Sevilla, none have managed to bypass the French Barcelona defender through the act of dribbling.
Among Xavi’s most trusted
Moreover, Kounde has started eight of the nine games Barcelona have thus far played in their official campaign. Only a substitute against Mallorca due to Xavi hoping to rest him, he has been the third most used player under the Catalan manager with 732 minutes played, which is less than only Robert Lewandowski (752 minutes) and Ter Stegen (810 minutes).
Even more impressively, Kounde has managed an average of 4.6 recoveries, 3.4 clearances, and 5.1 duels won, while also being the player in La Liga with the most total passes (654), clearly showcasing his creative and progressive contributions to Barcelona beyond just his defensive interventions.
As of this moment, Xavi’s strongest eleven sees Kounde as a definite starter and perhaps the most reliable defender currently in this Barcelona squad. Once Ronald Araujo makes a complete return, it could be the Frenchman and the Uruguayan combining to make up the best central defensive duo that Barca has.
