Jules Koundé: a big presence in both the boxes

Koundé struggled to establish himself as a centre-back because his height raised suspicions. But he silenced critics with his agility and giant leaps making him an overwhelming player in the air.

He proved it again against Sevilla: just his second start and already one of the leaders of the defence. Koundé was dominant in both the boxes.

First as a right-back and then as a centre-back. The Frenchman provided assists and won most of the defensive duels.

Xavi has found in him an effective resource at right-back. In defence, he is capable of defending away from goal because of his explosiveness. In attack, he is a player with good feet, who understands the game, and passes with precision.

Against Sevilla, he had two assists: one to Lewandowski with a precise pass and the other to Eric after a strategic play. Another proof that he is a special defender.

Xavi has no doubts about him: "He can define an era".

And it hasn't taken the coach long to give him a role in the Barça defence. Koundé prefers to play at centre-back, but everything points to the fact that, in the big games, he will be a right-back.

Despite the arrival of Bellerín, the first choice was Azpilicueta and the second was Foyth. In other words: Xavi was looking for a right-back with a defensive profile who could win duels. And he has no better one in the squad than Koundé with those characteristics.

Against Sevilla, moreover, he also paired up with Araujo in the centre of defence in the final stretch of the match. For the moment, Koundé is the trump card, thanks to his versatility. An increasingly irreplaceable trump card.