Barcelona were handed yet another boost in the transfer market on Friday as they reportedly reached an agreement with Bayern Munich for the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
With the Pole on the verge of joining Barça, the Catalan club will now turn their attention towards Jules Kounde.
Three reasons why Barcelona are pushing to sign Jules Kounde
Barcelona were handed yet another boost in the transfer market on Friday as they reportedly reached an agreement with Bayern Munich for the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
With the Pole on the verge of joining Barça, the Catalan club will now turn their attention towards Jules Kounde.
The Sevilla starlet has become the top defensive target for Xavi Hernandez, and possibly one of the last big-money options before the club complete their squad planning ahead of the new season.
Here, we will take a look at three reasons why Barcelona are pursuing Jules Kounde this summer, despite signing Andreas Christensen on a free transfer.
The downfall of Gerard Pique
Within the Barcelona camp, there is a growing concern over the longevity of Gerard Pique. The veteran defender has endured a difficult year so far, in which he has been subjected to several off-the-pitch controversies including his involvement in the Spanish Super Cup negotiations with Saudi Arabia.
Even though his performances were solid more often than not, the defender’s season was hindered by a thigh injury during the first leg Europa League encounter against Eintracht Frankfurt. The veteran never really recovered since eventually missing the remainder of the campaign.
Barcelona camp worries Pique’s injuries might take a turn for the worse and make him an unreliable option in central defence next season. This is coupled with the fact that Eric Garcia has been far from consistent, thus accentuating the need for a top-class centre-back that can not only fill the gap but also replace Pique in the long term.
An ideal defensive partner for Ronald Araujo
Apart from being an ideal replacement for Pique, Jules Kounde may also prove to be a brilliant defensive partner for Ronald Araujo.
There are no doubts over the fact the Uruguayan international is currently Barcelona’s best defender, even after the addition of Andreas Christensen.
While Christensen could be an excellent defensive partner for Araujo next season, very few could fill in the slot as good as Kounde.
The Frenchman’s technical ability, pace and ability to manipulate possession could combine well with Araujo’s no-nonsense, dogged defensive mentality, ultimately adding another dimension to Barcelona’s defensive game.
Tactical compatibility and high ceiling
What makes Jules Kounde such an appealing target for Barcelona is the quality he offers to the table. At the age of just 23, the Frenchman has established himself as one of the finest ball-playing centre-backs in Europe and has the potential of becoming one of the best defenders in world football.
Indeed, the Sevilla starlet thrives in possession and has recorded significantly higher numbers in terms of dribbling, and passing than most defenders in Europe. Tactically, he is quite similar to Pique himself, but thanks to his age, the youngster is capable of offering far more athleticism and pace.
That could be a vital aspect for the Barcelona defence that has lacked the mobility and urgency to compete with the other big teams in Europe in recent years.
In addition to his technical qualities, Kounde is versatile enough to excel in a back three as well. He can drift out wide and bring the ball out from the back, which could be an essential commodity in Xavi’s setup that allows defenders to be expressive in possession.
Such tactical compatibility makes Kounde an attractive option for Barcelona and at the age of just 23, he could indeed be a smart long-term investment for the Catalans.
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