The purchase of Jules Kounde has been one of the best pieces of business undertaken by FC Barcelona in recent years. While the Frenchman definitely did not come anywhere nearly cheap, his performances in Barcelona shirt up to now have more than justified his €55 million price tag.
The French defender is one of the most trusted players in Xavi’s squad currently. He has started every game played by Barcelona this season and is among the players who have played the highest number of minutes on the pitch.
Kounde’s rebellion against Xavi
The fact that he is able to feature so much despite the high competition in the Barcelona backline goes to show his quality and form. He has been fundamental for Barcelona as they continue on their undefeated run in all competitions this season up to now.
His performances at the center-back position have been top-notch, but according to SPORT, there were chances of him not only not playing in the center of the defense but also of him not remaining at the club.
The newspaper claims that Kounde had requested Xavi not to play him as a right-back anymore at the end of the last season, as he was tired of shifting between the two positions and was also not fully comfortable on the flank.
Kounde went on to make it clear to Xavi that his continuity at the club could be guaranteed only if he played at the center-back position, and the club interpreted this communication as an intention to leave the club.
However, the coach and the player were able to work out an arrangement under which Kounde would play mainly as a center-back and would go to the flank only if necessary.
Move to the center paying off
Kounde’s rebellion against Xavi is now seemingly paying off for the team as well, as he is putting in great performances for the club. In his ten games this season, he has not once been dribbled past by any of the opposition players, showing the level at which he is playing currently.
Furthermore, the Frenchman has built up a good pairing with both Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, and the effectiveness of his partnership with the former was on full display last night as it ultimately helped Barcelona get a clean sheet against Porto.
Now, with the inclusion of Joao Cancelo in the squad, Kounde is even less likely to play on the right flank, and is also supported in the defense by a specialist right-back who is one of the best in the world in his position. Thus, Barcelona’s defense with Kounde in the center looks ready to take on any opposition at the moment.
