FC Barcelona is not going through their best phase of the season currently. The Catalan giants look like a shell of their best self and have been regularly struggling in games. In particular, the recent displays against Real Sociedad and Shakhtar Donetsk were especially bizarre.
With both their level of playing and form having taken a dip, many players are simultaneously underperforming as well. Names like Joao Felix and Robert Lewandowski have clearly lost prominence, but so has a certain youngster.
Balde struggling for form
As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, 19-year-old Barcelona fullback Alejandro Balde is among the underperforming players. Last season, the youngster erupted onto the scene for Barcelona, yet this season has been a clear downgrade thus far.
In fact, the performances have been so unconvincing that Balde has been left out of the latest Spanish call-up. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has actively left out Balde and instead has decided to count on Alex Grimaldo and Jose Gaya.
This means that Balde is expected to miss the matches against both Cyprus and Georgia. Given that these two are the last European qualifiers for Spain, Balde has missed a golden opportunity. However, in terms of a silver lining, this will allow the player to analyze and correct his performances with Barcelona.
Barcelona to help Balde improve
Moreover, the player reportedly still has some discomfort that has prevented him from playing at his best. This time away from football could allow the experts at Barcelona to better help the youngster with a specific plan designed for him to continue recovering both his fitness and his form.
Barcelona next take on Deportivo Alaves at the Montjuic Stadium. With close to 24 hours left to kick-off, Balde will be looking to improve on his recent performances. It will still have to be seen if he manages to start, however, as Xavi pointed out in his recent press conference that Joao Cancelo can operate in that position as well.
