THE FRENCH RECOVERS HIS BEST VERSION
Jules Koundé, the vital piece for Xavi's defense
There is a lot of difference between Jules Koundé's level in his first and second seasons at FC Barcelona, 'determined' by his return to his 'natural' position, as a centre-back. He is being the great defensive key for the culés
That the FC Barcelona was the only team of the five big Leagues of Europe that still does not know the defeat is responsibility, in some part, of Jules Koundé that in this season has been in imperial way and is being one of the most differential players in this Barcelona group. It has had effect the conversation that was supported by Xavi Hernández during the summer in which it asked him go back to play in the axis of the defensive saga.
And it is that in the past course, the ex of the Seville had left more doubts that certainties, conditioned by the need that it played like right side. It was the only available alternative and caused that his level descended considerably regarding what had offered before in Nervión. It was thus that asked the change and the bet is giving big results. It is the big defensive referent of the Barça, without mattering with who play at the side.
His statistical are overwhelming, because as they remember from 'ACE', in the ten parties that have contested in this start of season, any rival forward has achieved to dribble him. It has turned into the big 'wall' of the Barça and one of the managers that Marc-André ter Stegen have begun to fit fewer goals. It has kept his goal to zero in the last two clashes and the work of the international with France has been vital.
Koundé, key in the plan of Xavi
In Port wine has been where more has noticed his influence, because the Portuguese group put against the ropes to the blaugrana. They kept in the rival area and generating constantly occasions to equalise the marker, or even trace it back, but between Koundé and Araújo commissioned to disintegrate each opportunity that had. Ter Stegen interveno, besides, in a few key occasions.
Questioned by the defence, Xavi announced recently that "our idea is to defend with ball. It is our model of game. This goes through to defend well, goes through to win duels, for having a high pressure... The Port wine is a rival of first level of Champions, but always want to have the balloon". For this, Koundé is a key piece. Probably the most important.
