Exclusive: Barcelona retain full confidence in key defensive duo | OneFootball

Even though they are going through a fine run of form, FC Barcelona have had to deal with defensive problems for a large part of the ongoing season, with the team leaking goals.

The lack of an established centre-back pairing has been an issue, while at the same time, there has been a dip in the performances of Jules Kounde at right-back. On the opposite side, Alejandro Balde, too, has not been consistently solid enough.

Full confidence in Balde, Kounde

Despite their up and down performances at times this season, Barcelona have full confidence in both Balde and Kounde as the team’s starting full-backs, sources tell Barça Universal exclusively.

So far this term, Kounde has played 34 matches in all competitions, registering three goals and two assists in the process.

While his partnership with Lamine Yamal going forward remains strong, the French international’s issues have been on the defensive side – poor positioning and struggles in 1v1 duels have become recurring themes.

Not always at his best. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Balde has featured in 29 games and has three assists to his name. The La Masia graduate has not shown his best level on either end of the pitch on a consistent basis, although things have been looking better in recent matches.

Irrespective of their inconsistent displays this term, Barcelona retain full confidence in their full-back duo.

Moreover, with Joao Cancelo arriving in the winter, it will allow Hansi Flick to rotate more and ease the workload on Kounde and Balde, which may have been a factor in their dip.

At the same time, it also increases the competition for places, ensuring that the players do not get complacent.