Jules Kounde arrived in Barcelona in the summer of 2022 as an excellent central defender, but he is now firmly back-back and he is demonstrably better in that position than the one he calls his. The 26-year-old has been a revelation for the Catalans in that area of the field, which had caused many problems prior to his arrival.
Since he is of course a center back, Kounde could be forgiven for a lack of attacking contribution while playing on the right, but in fact this is an area in which he thrives. This season he scored three goals, while he also registered eight assists in all competitions.
Kounde, who signs a new long -term contract on the Catalan side, has attributed a considerable part of this success to the player who plays directly for him on the right side of Barcelona: Lamine Yamal. According to MD, he opened his relationship on the field with the 17-year-old sensation, and how they work together to best dismantle the best.
“I have spoken to find out how I can improve certain aspects, such as the runs that can open spaces for him, although he knows how to deal with two boys on top of him. We are quite complementary. On the defensive field I talk a lot to him to correct certain details about his positioning.
“We understand each other very well and next to the field. People often forget that, although we see him do exceptional things, he is a child, a teenager who likes to make jokes, and that's fine, because me too.”
In the remaining weeks of the season, Kounde will keep an eye on attacking success, in which he also wants to help Barcelona to take home De La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles.
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