The yr 2024 has been an exceptionally demanding one for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, however the French footballer has proven outstanding resilience.
Regardless of the gruelling schedule, Kounde has managed to keep up a excessive stage of efficiency with out displaying any indicators of fatigue and by the tip of the yr, he’ll set a private file.
In accordance with knowledge from Mundo Deportivo, Kounde’s efforts may additionally place him as a key determine within the ongoing debate surrounding the demanding schedules that skilled gamers face.
These tight calendars have sparked discussions in regards to the influence on gamers’ bodily well-being, resulting in extra accidents and a rising concern amongst footballers.
Kounde, as one of the continuously used gamers in top-tier soccer, might turn into a number one voice in advocating for change in the best way soccer’s governing our bodies, corresponding to UEFA and FIFA, deal with scheduling.
What’s the file?
As of December 15, Kounde, who performs as a full-back for each Barcelona and the French nationwide crew, stands alone on the prime of a world rating of gamers with essentially the most minutes on the sphere.
Jules Kounde may have a record-breakking 2024. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photographs)
He has performed a complete of 69 official matches, accumulating 5,872 minutes. This quantity will possible improve when Barcelona face Atletico Madrid of their remaining match of the yr, with Kounde anticipated to begin the sport.
To place issues in perspective, no outfield participant has spent extra time on the pitch this yr than Kounde.
On this world rating, Kounde is forward of Fluminense’s Colombian participant Jhon Arias, who has performed 67 matches for a complete of 5,599 minutes, and Actual Madrid’s Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde, who has clocked up 5,573 minutes in 66 matches.
Though Valverde’s complete will improve within the upcoming Intercontinental remaining in opposition to Pachuca, it’s unlikely to surpass Kounde’s spectacular tally.
In the meantime, the following gamers within the rankings are everywhere in the age of 30: Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk (33), Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi (36), and Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka (32).
Regardless of their wealth of expertise, Kounde’s outstanding consistency and stamina place him on the forefront of the listing for minutes performed in 2024.