Barcelona defender under scrutiny after series of costly mistakes

Since becoming a member of FC Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022, French defender Jules Kounde has remained an integral a part of the Blaugrana squad. Initially deployed as a centre-back below Xavi Hernandez, he was later established because the workforce’s first-choice right-back by each Xavi and Hansi Flick.

In each these positions, he has usually performed at fairly a excessive stage, and has additionally given the followers some memorable moments, like his successful strike in opposition to Actual Madrid within the Copa del Rey last final season. He has additionally been an excellent companion for Lamine Yamal on the correct aspect of the pitch.

Nevertheless, as Mundo Deportivo has famous, he has not began this 2025-26 season in a glittering style, and has been on the middle of a number of follies which have, or may have, price the Blaugrana workforce dearly.

Hansi Flick appeared to sense the dip early on, preferring Eric Garcia as his right-back within the first three fixtures. When Kounde returned to the lineup in opposition to Actual Sociedad, his struggles had been once more seen.

He didn’t include Barrenetxea on the opening objective, narrowly prevented a purple card after a reckless problem, and almost gifted La Actual an equalizer in stoppage time by dwelling too lengthy on the ball.

Regardless of these lapses, Kounde managed to redeem himself partially with a objective that sparked Barça’s comeback that day. But the identical defensive frailties resurfaced quickly after.

Towards PSG, he was at fault for the primary objective, failing to shut down his man or make the required tactical foul. Within the following conflict with Sevilla, his free management of the ball led on to the house aspect’s second objectiveas soon as once more exposing a lapse in focus.

If Kounde can’t shortly rediscover his sharpness and defensive composure, Flick could also be compelled to think about various choices at right-back.

The Frenchman stays a participant of immense high quality, however to take care of his beginning function at Barcelona, he should quickly return to the dependable kind that when made him certainly one of Barça’s most trusted defenders.