Barcelona continues to face defensive issues despite the team showing overall positive form. These ongoing challenges highlight the club’s unwavering trust in its main fullbacks to provide stability on both flanks.
Goal concessions have remained a recurring problem this season, primarily due to the lack of a fully cohesive central defensive pairing. This instability has placed added importance on the roles of the right and left fullbacks in maintaining defensive solidity.
Trust in Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde
Internal sources within Barcelona confirm that the club maintains full confidence in Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as the team’s primary fullbacks. This belief is based on their long-term contributions and potential for development under the current tactical system.
Kounde has featured in 34 matches across all competitions this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His synergy with Lamine Yamal on the right wing continues to be effective in attacking transitions.
However, the French defender still struggles defensively, particularly in positioning and one-on-one duels. These vulnerabilities have made the right flank an area of focus for the coaching staff, who are actively working to improve Kounde’s defensive consistency.
On the left, Balde has played 29 matches this season and registered three assists. The La Masia graduate has yet to consistently hit peak performance, but his form has gradually improved in recent weeks. Barcelona’s management believes that with continued match experience, Balde can evolve into a fully reliable defensive outlet.
Rotation and Internal Competition at Barcelona
The arrival of Joao Cancelo during the winter transfer window has provided additional options for manager Hansi Flick. This new depth allows for more strategic rotation, reducing the physical burden on both Balde and Kounde.
Healthier rotation is expected to support consistent performance levels and minimize fatigue-related errors. Moreover, internal competition is projected to push each player to maintain focus and high-quality performances on the pitch.
Cancelo’s inclusion not only provides tactical variety but also strengthens squad depth in defense. With multiple options available, the coach can adjust strategies depending on the opponent, ensuring both defensive stability and attacking fluidity.
Long-Term Defensive Strategy
Barcelona’s approach reflects a medium-term plan to balance experience with youth in the backline. The club believes that stability is key, and consistency will improve as players accumulate minutes and adapt fully to the tactical system.
Despite ongoing challenges in certain defensive metrics, the management’s decision to continue relying on Kounde and Balde signals a commitment to building a structured, stable defense rather than making sudden changes.
With many crucial matches still to come across domestic and European competitions, maintaining trust in the primary fullbacks demonstrates Barcelona’s preference for continuity, allowing the team to grow stronger collectively while nurturing the potential of its key defenders.
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