Kounde, the short central defender who does everything well

Jules is a strategic signing for Xavi due to his versatility, neatness, and good handling of the ball

His 1.78m made him start as a side in his beginnings as a professional due to the prejudices of his technicians but Poyet relaunched him from the rear axis

Jules Kounde was given nothing. The boy, who is now 23 years old, always got what he set out to do. And that is why he is at Barcelona today because it is where he has wanted to play after closing a brilliant stage at Sevilla, the club that catapulted him to the highest level. After becoming one of the best central defenders in the world in the Sevilla team, he arrives consolidated and as an alternative in two positions behind. His natural demarcation is central, although he can also occupy the right side.

Precisely he began to play in a band when he arrived at the Girondins de Bordeaux first team, a club in which he grew up as a footballer from the age of 14. It was purely due to prejudice since, at 1.78 m tall, his technicians then did not see him as prepared to be a central defender.

He vindicated himself thanks to the confidence of Gustavo Poyet, who gave him command of the axis of defense. His height has never been a problem thanks to his great jumping power and the Uruguayan coach also turned him into a ‘box to box’ defender. He made him join the center of the field to facilitate the exit of the ball and to throw the team towards the opposite area. His great season made him become the most expensive signing in the history of Sevilla in the summer of 2019.

Introverted and very familiar, he did not have an easy start because it was the first time he left his country, but it did not take him too long to adapt to Sevilla FC despite being only 20 years old when he landed. Little by little, Monchi ‘s bet was confirmed and as a native of Sevilla, he earned a place in the French team.

He has proven to be a versatile player, neat (only 15 fouls in 33 games last year), and with a good touch. That will give multiple alternatives to Xavi, who has been his great supporter because he considers him a strategic signing.