Earlier this year, the media widely reported Jules Kounde’s dissatisfaction over his role at Barcelona. The French defender arrived at Spotify Camp Nou as one of football’s finest young centre-backs but ended up playing most of the season as a right-back.
One cannot fault Xavi Hernandez for his decision to play Kounde out of position, as the Spanish tactician was left with no other option. Reports said the youngster was even contemplating a departure, but he denied the rumours with a message on social media.
According to Mundo Deportivo, there is a renewed understanding between Kounde and Xavi ahead of the new season. In a recent meeting, the manager told the defender that the team would practically play in a 3-4-3 formation for the upcoming season, placing him back in central defence.
Xavi sees Alejandro Balde as a fourth midfielder for all intents and purposes given his advanced role in attack. Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo would thus be in a line of three to cover the defensive chores.
Kounde will continue to play on the right side of the trio, but the manager has also assured him of regular rotation with Araujo on that front. After all, the two players often exchanged duties even last season.
The French defender was brilliant for Barcelona for large parts of last season, but the occasional mix-up often cost him and the team. Heading into the new season, Kounde will look to minimise those unforced errors and further firmly root himself at the heart of the defence.
In 29 La Liga appearances for the Catalans last season, the 24-year-old scored one goal and provided three assists. He oversaw 18 clean sheets when on duty and averaged over seven defensive actions per game.
