Flick’s cautious administration has helped Barcelona teen return to peak bodily situation

Raphinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal made headlines for his or her starring shows for Barcelona final night time in opposition to Benfica, and deservedly so.

Nevertheless, one other participant who was equally essential within the victory was younger left-back Alejandro Balde. His marauding runs from the left-back place had been a relentless supply of menace and even led to Raphinha’s second objective of the night time, killing off the tie even earlier than half-time.

Again to his greatest bodily

Now, as highlighted by SPORT, Balde is close to his peak when it comes to his bodily degree. Supervisor Hansi Flick has managed his minutes fastidiously, rotating him when wanted to make sure he can unleash his full athletic potential at essential moments.

One of many key variations between the Barça aspect that received La Liga underneath Xavi and final season’s crew was the type of Balde.

Through the 2022/23 marketing campaign, the younger left-back was a powerhouse, however his performances dipped considerably final season.

Again to his greatest. (Photograph by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Pictures)

Now, the 21-year-old full-back is as soon as once more overlaying all the left flank with unimaginable vitality, harking back to his breakout season.

Flick has managed the teen’s minutes fastidiously, particularly after a nasty harm final season. The taking part in time given to Gerard Martin has not solely aided the previous Cornella defender’s improvement but in addition allowed Balde to carry out at his highest degree when on the pitch.

Balde is just not solely regaining his explosiveness however can be making higher selections with the ball. Along with his present confidence, the 21-year-old academy graduate continues to refine his crossing and total play, aiming to determine himself as one of many world’s greatest left-backs.

This season he has been straight concerned in eight targets – scoring as soon as and offering seven assists. His overlapping runs and direct dribbles assist Barcelona break defensive strains and ease the crew’s build-up play, creating area for his teammates.

Balde made his first-team debut underneath Ronald Koeman, and he flourished with Xavi. Nevertheless, evidently underneath Flick, he’s set to consolidate his standing as top-of-the-line left-backs in world soccer.