"Jules Kounde was one of the key cogs in Hansi Flick's team last season as FC Barcelona achieved a domestic treble. On the back of his consistent, top-notch performances, as a right-back - not his natural position - the Frenchman was rewarded with a new contract by the club. However, Kounde's performances this term have left a lot to be desired, as he has looked shaky in defence and uninspired going forward - as was visible during the Clasico last week."
"Given Kounde's dip in form, it could open the doors for Barcelona youngster Xavi Espart to get an opportunity in the first team, reports Sergi Capdevila of SPORT. The 18-year-old La Masia prospect has been a regular in first-team training under Flick this month and has been named in the matchday squad for all games since the international break. However, he has yet to make his senior debut for the Blaugrana, unlike some of his academy teammates such as Dro, Jofre Torrents, and Toni Fernandez."
Jules Kounde played a key role for FC Barcelona last season and earned a new contract after strong performances as a right-back despite it being an unfamiliar position. This season his form has dipped, with shaky defending and limited attacking impact, visible in the recent Clasico. The dip has created an opening for 18-year-old La Masia defender Xavi Espart, who has trained regularly with the first team and been included in matchday squads since the international break but has not yet made a senior debut. Espart has excelled for Barça Atletic with a goal and assist in six appearances and scored twice in two UEFA Youth League matches, impressing the coaching staff. With Eric Garcia settling at centre-back, Espart could earn first-team minutes soon.
Read at Barca Universal
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