Xavi using Jules Koundé in new position in Barcelona training | OneFootball

An insight into some of the leading factors behind the recent uptick in form being enjoyed by Barcelona star Jules Koundé has today been forthcoming.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and points towards the coaching staff in Catalunya’s capital as having played a pivotal role in as much.

The subject of Koundé’s contributions, of course, has proven one of the headline talking points at Barcelona across the season to date.

This comes after the France international was responsible for an alarming dip in performance, for an altogether extended period.

So prolonged were Koundé’s woes, in fact, that they even culminated in suggestions that Barca were ready to move the former Sevilla man on in the summer.

Recent weeks, however, have seen the 25-year-old look back to his brilliant best.

Koundé has looked completely reinvigorated both in and out of possession, shoring up the right of the Blaugrana’s backline in impressive fashion.

And, as alluded to above, this weekend, an insight into the role played by Xavi and his staff in aiding this turnaround has been forthcoming online.

As per Sport, in the days immediately following matches, Koundé, for some time now, has not joined the rest of Barcelona’s starting XI in recovery sessions.

Instead, he has worked with the substitutes, at full pelt, in an effort to improve his physical condition.

Turning attentions towards the tactical side of the game, the defender has also been urged to direct more shots at goal, a directive which has improved his confidence.

Most notable of all, though, has been Koundé’s utilisation in a new position in training.

‘At the initiative of Xavi and his assistants, he has become accustomed to playing as a pivot to gain ease and fluidity with the ball.’

Conor Laird | GSFN