A current perception from Mundo Deportivo has acknowledged that Alejandro Balde’s outstanding bodily skills have allowed him to function in two key roles for Barcelona this season—each as a full-back and as a winger.
The outlet mentions that the left flank belongs to him, as he supplies defensive stability on the again whereas additionally pushing ahead to stretch the pitch.
His attacking actions create house for Raphinha, enabling the Brazilian to both tackle defenders in huge areas or drift into central positions to mix with teammates or make harmful runs in direction of aim.
Whereas gamers like Gerard Martin and even Hector Fort have stepped in admirably on that facet, Balde stands out attributable to his sheer explosiveness.
Improvement beneath Flick
One of many elements he nonetheless must refine is his technical precision. He generally struggles to decelerate the play when vital, and his decision-making within the closing third stays inconsistent.
Alejandro Balde has improved rather a lot beneath Hansi Flick. (Photograph by Fran Santiago/Getty Pictures)
Nonetheless, regardless of these imperfections, he stays a useful asset for Barcelona. When the workforce finds itself unable to construct out from the again, his fast modifications of route and sudden bursts of tempo permit him to bypass opponents with ease, immediately bettering the attacking circulate.
If he positions himself too deep in defence, which occurs once in a while, his athleticism helps him get better misplaced floor shortly. In transition play, he provides a directness that makes Barcelona’s counterattacks considerably extra threatening.
Scope of additional enchancment
Though there are moments the place he doesn’t capitalise on the benefits he creates—both attributable to poor decision-making or his thought course of not maintaining together with his ft—that is an space that may naturally enhance with extra enjoying time and expertise.
Regardless of his younger age, he has already registered six assists this season, along with scoring in opposition to Actual Madrid within the Tremendous Cup closing.
Hansi Flick has been cautious together with his growth, absolutely conscious that Balde is an important piece in his tactical system. Whereas he’s nonetheless evolving, there is no such thing as a doubt that he’ll turn out to be an much more influential determine sooner or later.