‘Versatile’ Barcelona player now trails only Mohamed Salah in the UCL assists chart | OneFootball

Although he is not playing in his natural position at the center of defense, French defender Jules Koundé is having a very good season with FC Barcelona.

Playing as the team’s starting right-back, the Frenchman has been an essential part of Hansi Flick’s side, having already appeared in 16 matches this season.

The former Sevilla defender was once again key for his Barcelona team as they emerged victorious over Serbian side Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League, winning 5-2.

Although he had some reservations about playing on the flank in the past, Koundé has taken on this position since last season, and it has allowed him to significantly improve his attacking game.

This improvement was clearly visible in the game last night, as he registered a hat-trick of assists in just 26 minutes of the second half.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, with these three assists, the Barcelona full-back now stands only second in the UEFA Champions League assists ranking, placed only behind the Liverpool winger, Mohamed Salah.

Raphinha, Engels (Celtic), Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Paixao (Feyenoord), Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Ajorque (Brest), and Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb), all have the same number of assists as Koundé, 3.

The Frenchman got his first assist in the 53rd minute of the game, as he provided the final pass to a move that was finished by Robert Lewandowski.

His next assist came only two minutes later, as he helped Raphinha score his team’s fourth goal. He then assisted Fermin Lopez for his side’s final goal in the 76th minute.

Arguably his best offensive performance in three seasons at Barcelona, Koundé demonstrated why Eric Abidal recently labeled him a ‘Versatile’ player. His contributions in attack, combined with his already impressive defensive work, fully justify this assessment.

Flick has helped him improve even further after he was already an important player under Xavi, and the Frenchman will be looking forward to further proving his talents with such performances in the future.