Lamine Yamal showers Barcelona defender with praise following 10/10 performance

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde delivered an exceptional performance in the recent match against Athletic Bilbao, particularly when up against Nico Williams.

His defensive skills were so impressive that the Athletic star lost possession of the ball 19 times. Throughout the match, Nico struggled to make an impact, managing only 12 passes, failing to complete any of his five attempted crosses, and not registering a single shot on target.

Kounde’s outstanding performance did not just catch the eye of football analysts; his own teammates were quick to praise him.

Lamine Yamal, who scored Barcelona’s opening goal, commented on Kounde’s Instagram post, calling him the “Best RB [right-back] in the world rn [right now].”

Despite his preference for playing as a central defender, Kounde has been adapting well to his role on the wing. His defensive positioning and cautious approach to attacking plays have made him a reliable figure on the right side.

Interestingly, Hansi Flick had anticipated the outcome even before the match started. Speaking ahead of the contest, Flick praised Kounde by stating, “On this side, we have an experienced player, so I can say that Jules will take care of him,” 

His ability to deliver accurate crosses and long passes has become a crucial part of Barcelona’s attacking strategy. Against Athletic Bilbao, he successfully completed five out of seven long-distance passes and made seven touches in the attacking third of the field.

Overall, the Frenchman’s performance was a testament to his growing versatility and skill as a defender. 

Even when playing out of his preferred position, he remains a key player for Barcelona, showcasing both his defensive prowess and his ability to contribute to the team’s offensive efforts.