Xavi’s Promise: Kounde Set for Central Role at Barcelona

Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the United States had a turbulent beginning, but they ultimately concluded it with resounding success, securing comprehensive victories over both Real Madrid and AC Milan.

During the tour, Jules Kounde stood out as an exceptional player. Utilized in his natural position as a central defender, he displayed impressive performances, recording back-to-back clean sheets against Real Madrid and Milan.

In the previous season, Kounde mainly played as a right-back due to Barcelona’s lack of options in that position. However, Xavi Hernandez has assured him that he will have more opportunities as a center-back in the upcoming campaign, signaling a potential shift in his role.

Adding to the mix, Ronald Araujo, who occasionally filled in as a right-back, is set to embrace the position more frequently in the next season, especially during the Clasicos. Barcelona’s management is also actively pursuing the signing of a permanent full-back before the transfer window closes.

When Barcelona acquired Kounde from Sevilla last summer, they envisioned him as a central defender, although he didn’t get many chances to showcase his prowess in that role during the previous season. Nonetheless, with the new campaign approaching, he now has the perfect opportunity to stake his claim for one of the two center-back positions and establish himself as a key player for the team.