He assisted Lewandowski in the second goal of the night against Betis and he already has three in the League
Despite not being completely comfortable in the band, Araujo and Christensen are a very solid couple.
Jules Koundé warned Xavi in private and has also said so in public whenever he has been asked. He doesn’t like to play as a right back. He understands that he is central and that the band lacks automatisms typical of the position. They can be half acquired but they don’t make you a specialist, which is what Barça should have.
His signing was a real joy for Xavi Hernández, who always saw him as a center back, forming a fearsome couple with Ronald Araujo. Two fast center-backs, who can play with yards behind them and in the case of the Frenchman, with excellent ball output from behind and the daring necessary to break lines with dribbling.
But the extraordinary performance of Andreas Christensen in the axis added to the fact that Barça has not obtained a guaranteed right back, they have relegated him to play on the wing. And Koundé, from becoming one of the best signings of last summer, has become a footballer who complies, without more. And that in big games he has had certain defensive gaps. He is not meeting the expectations generated.
He does not see himself as a winger, a position that he also had to exercise in the World Cup in Qatar with France and against Rayo Vallecano he signed one of his worst games of the season. Xavi continues to trust him although he has asked for reinforcements for this position in the summer. It will be seen if the club can give it to him.
Against Betis, Koundé was able to “forget” his bad night against Rayo Vallecano, signing a good performance, crowned with the assistance to Robert Lewandowski in Barca’s second goal. The Frenchman put it on very well from the right so that the Pole finished off first, crossing the ball perfectly. He already has three goal assists in the League.
A more offensive version of Jules was seen, especially after the expulsion from Betis, although he also had to keep a close eye on Miranda’s rises on his wing. He was always an option for Raphinha on the right and he continued unfolding with success when his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé also entered the field.
He won all the aerial duels and did not commit any fouls. In addition, he turned over few balls, with an accuracy in the pass of 85 percent. 58 passes completed out of 68.
With Sergi Roberto injured, Koundé will once again be the starting right-back on Tuesday against Osasuna And even if he doesn’t like it, he has many chances to end the season in that position. But it is that he must also be aware that next season he may have to play again in that place if no operation takes place to bring an indisputable specialist in that position.