Jules Kounde arrived at Barcelona in the summertime of 2022 as a superb central defender, however he’s now firmly a right-back – and he’s arguably higher in that place than the one which he calls his personal. The 26-year-old has been a revelation for the Catalans in that space of the pitch, which had prompted numerous issues previous to his arrival.
Given that he’s naturally a centre-back, Kounde may very well be forgiven for an absence of attacking contribution while taking part in on the correct, however in actual fact, that is an space that he thrives in. This season, he has scored three objectives, whereas he has additionally registered eight assists throughout all competitions.
Kounde, who is about to signal a brand new long-term contract on the Catalan facet, has credited a good portion of this success to the participant that performs instantly in entrance of him on Barcelona’s proper hand facet: Lamine Yamal. As per MD, he opened up on his on-field relationship with the 17-year-old sensation, and the way they work collectively to get the very best out of one another defensively and offensively.
“I talked to learn how I can enhance sure facets, such because the runs that may open up areas for him, though he is aware of the best way to take care of two guys on prime of him. We’re fairly complementary. On the defensive discipline, I speak to him so much to right sure particulars about his positioning.
“We perceive one another very properly on and off the sphere. Folks typically overlook that, though we see him do distinctive issues, he’s a child, a youngster, who likes to play jokes, and that’s effective, as a result of so do I.”
Kounde shall be eyeing up additional attacking success within the remaining weeks of the season, throughout which he may also be aiming to assist Barcelona take house the La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles.