He is essential’… Deco wants 26-year-old Barcelona star to stay at the club for as long as possible | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have built a formidable young core under Hansi Flick, with several key players yet to hit their peak years. That bodes well for a club aiming to sustain success both now and in the future.

In Hansi Flick, the Catalan club also have a coach who is capable of bringing the best out of these players. Of the many names in the team who have stepped it up this season, Jules Kounde will certainly be among the top ones in the list.

From center-back to full-back

The Frenchman was crucial to Barcelona even before Flick came to the club. Xavi was the one who transitioned him into a right-back but up until last season, the 26-year-old was very much a center-back who could do a job on the right.

Jules Kounde has been brilliant this season. (Source: DataMB)

This season, however, the French international has added variety to his attacking game and completed the transition to becoming a properly recognised right-back. It was a shame that he wasn’t available for Barcelona for the important semi-final games against Inter Milan.

When asked about Kounde’s future at the club, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, here is what sporting director Deco had to say. His words hinted at huge admiration for the Barcelona defender. Here it goes:

“For us, he is essential. He contributes a lot during matches, gives us stability, defends very well, and never complains if he has to deal with a two-on-one situation because Lamine is pushing forward. Players like him need to be kept for as long as possible.”

A perfect partnership on the right flank

Jules Kounde x Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

It is very clear that Kounde and Lamine complement each other very well on the right flank. The duo know exactly where each other are on the pitch and the Frenchman knows when he should overlap the Spaniard, when he should come inside and when he should stay back.

One aspect of Kounde’s game that he could improve on is his crosses into the box. His passing is at a very high level but apart from that one delivery to Raphinha in El Clasico, one can’t recollect many other crosses into his box that have resulted in danger.

Defensively, there aren’t many other right-backs in the world who are better than Kounde. With the club and Deco publicly backing him, his future at Camp Nou looks bright, and he will continue to be integral to Barcelona’s long-term vision.