It has been a rollercoaster of a season for Jules Kounde. Despite starting the season off strong, a notable decline in his performances began to follow around the midway point of the season.
Kounde’s inability to emulate his performances from earlier in the campaign or outshine the likes of Ronald Araujo and Inigio Martinez saw him fail to warrant a spot as the center-back.
With Barcelona embroiled in defensive disorder and Kounde’s dip occurring at an untimely moment, Xavi was compelled to head back to the drawing board.
One of the many changes the coach implemented following the harrowing defeat to Villarreal at home was permanently shifting Kounde to the defensive right-back position in a faux three-at-the-back system.
Despite the Frenchman preferring to play through the center, Kounde’s situation on the right-hand side has proven to be a blessing in disguise for both the player and the club, as he has consistently produced solid exhibitions.
And his worth to the club was best encapsulated against PSG in the first-leg, with Kounde shutting down one of the world’s best forwards, Kylian Mbappe.
How Kounde has turned his situation around
In a hybrid role with the combination of right-back and center-back responsibilities, Kounde’s biggest strengths have come to light.
In possession, such a context allows him to predominantly underlap and carry the ball forward, which eliminates lines of pressure and offers Barça a presence centrally.
His short passes are also best availed out wide, as he can squeeze passes through tiny spaces and lend a supporting role up-field.
Total shut down. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
In fact, Jules Kounde has been involved in more open-play shot-ending sequences than any other defender in La Liga. The Frenchman also has two assists this year.
On the other hand, his defensive fundamentals are also optimally utilized on the right, as Kounde’s elite understanding of wingers allows him to predict…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/turning-over-a-new-leaf-jules-kounde-and-his-brilliant-barcelona-comeback/
Author : Shahraiz Sajjad
Publish date : 2024-04-12 16:34:45
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