In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Barcelona are hoping to land Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde this summer. It has been claimed that the Catalans have identified the French defensive ace as a target for this summer transfer period.
Kounde’s Good Form In Spanish Football
Kounde enjoyed a solid season at the Andalusian club after he performed at a high level at the heart of their backline. The 23-year-old participated in 44 matches for Sevilla in the previous campaign, scoring three times and securing one assist in all competitions.
The 11-time France international was a rock at the back as he managed to average 1.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga. He was even accurate when distributing possession from the back after completing 88.9% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
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Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Get Kounde On Board This Summer?
Kounde can time his tackles well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He is usually quick to react to the danger and doesn’t mind putting his body on the line to block a few goal-bound shots from the opposition. The French defender doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when needed and is a tidy passer of the ball as well. He is primarily a central defender but can function as a right-back if required.
The Paris-born talent is playing some of his best football at the moment, so he will be a decent option for Barcelona to pursue this summer.
At 23, Kounde has got a promising future ahead of him and would add more bite and steel to Barca boss Xavi’s defence. The Frenchman could prove to be a great, long-term successor to Gerard Pique at the Catalan club. He might even serve as an upgrade over Eric Garcia, who has struggled to be consistent since arriving from Manchester City last summer.
The Sevilla star could even help the Catalan outfit bring more success back to the Nou Camp over the next few years.
