Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Thursday November 7, 2024 at 12:45 p.m.
FC Barcelona secured an impressive Champions League victory with a 5-2 win over Red Star Belgrade, with an outstanding performance from Jules Koundé at right back.
Author of three assists for Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Fermín López, the French defender stood out as one of the team's offensive engines, thus consolidating Barça's place in Europe. Hans-Dieter Flick, Barça coach, did not fail to praise Koundé's performance. “ Since my first day at Barça, I have said it: Koundé is an excellent player. He is an example for the team, thanks to his professionalism and concentration “, he indicated after the meeting. The Catalan coach sees Jules Koundé as a discreet leader, whose efforts are finally rewarded by statistics which place him among the best defenders in the Champions League this season.
Koundé, an additional offensive asset
By achieving three assists in a single match, the French defender joins a small circle of defenders who have achieved such a feat in the Champions League, a particularly rare record for a French player since Ousmane Dembélé in 2016 with Dortmund. This performance underlines his influence in Barça's attacking play, reinforcing the versatility and power of Flick's team. Under the German coach, Barcelona has had a string of notable victories this season, including against giants like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The club relies on a formidable attacking trio – Lewandowski, young prodigy Yamal, and Raphinha – while Koundé's contributions add a crucial defensive and offensive dimension, making the team even more formidable.
Jules Koundé is preparing for important deadlines. Barcelona face Real Sociedad in La Liga on November 10, a key test to confirm their form. Then, the French international will join the France team for the Nations League matches against Israel and Italy on November 14 and 17, with the ambition of reproducing his high-level performances in the French jersey. With well-deserved praise and growing influence, Jules Koundé is establishing himself as an essential pillar for Barça and the French team, whose performances will be closely monitored for the rest of the season.
