Jules Kounde resigned to end his first year at right back
The French defender would rather be at CB but Xavi has been using him at full back
Jules Koundé told Xavi so in private and has also said so in public whenever he has been asked. He doesn't like playing at right-back. He understands that he is a centre-back and that on the wing he lacks the automatisms of the position. That can be half-acquired but that doesn't make you a specialist, which is what Barça should have.
His signing was a real joy for Xavi Hernandez, who always saw him as a centre-back forming a fearsome partnership with Ronald Araujo. Two fast centre-backs, who can play with space behind them and in the case of the Frenchman, an excellent outlet for the ball from the back and with the necessary daring to break lines with driving runs.
But the extraordinary performance of Andreas Christensen in the centre of defence, coupled with Barça's failure to find a strong right-back, has relegated him to playing out wide. And Koundé, from being one of the best signings of last summer, has become a player who just gets the job done. And in the big games he has had certain defensive lapses. He is not living up to expectations.
He does not see himself as a full-back, a position he also played in the World Cup in Qatar with France - and against Rayo Vallecano he played one of his worst games of the season. Xavi still trusts him although he has asked for a reinforcement for this position in the summer. It remains to be seen if the club can provide it.
Against Betis, Koundé was able to 'forget' his bad night against Rayo Vallecano with a good performance, crowned with the assist to Robert Lewandowski for the second goal. The Frenchman set up the ball very well from the right for the Pole to cross the ball to perfection. He already has three assists in La Liga.
There was a more attacking version of Jules, especially after the Betis sending off, although he also had to keep a close eye on Miranda's runs down his flank. He was always an option for Raphinha on the right and he continued to play well when his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé came on as well.
He won all the aerial duels and did not commit any fouls. He also lost very few balls, with a passing success rate of 85 per cent. 58 passes completed out of 68.
With Sergi Roberto injured, Koundé will be back in the starting right-back role on Tuesday against Osasuna and, although he doesn't like it, he has every chance of finishing the season in that position. But he should also be aware that next season he may have to play in that position again if there is no deal to bring in an undisputed specialist in that position.
