Barcelona star likely to return to his natural position in the new season

As Barcelona’s first game of the new season nears, all eyes are on how Hansi Flick will set up his team with the resources available.

There is, however, specific interest around the centre-back position, especially considering that Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi will be unavailable for the team’s league opener later this month.

The Uruguayan star’s long-term injury, moreover, rules him out of action until December, leaving a void in central defence.

One player who benefits from the situation, as revealed by MARCA, is Jules Kounde.

Back to his niche

Despite starting his top-flight career as a centre-back, Kounde has played largely as a right-back in recent years for club and country.

While Xavi Hernandez valued his skills on the right side after Joao Cancelo was forced to switch flanks, Didier Deschamps has always advocated for Kounde at the right-back position.

Kounde to return to playing at centre-back? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

In fact, the defender has grown so well in his new role that he was one of France’s best players in the recently concluded European Championships deployed in the aforementioned position.

As revealed by the Spanish outlet, his role could well change next season based on the team’s needs.

With Araujo ruled out, he is one of the best-placed candidates to return to central defence, although he will face competition from Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez.

The coming weeks will be critical in deciding where Flick sees the player in his plans. After all, the right-back position is well-stacked with players including Hector Fort, Julian Araujo and possibly Joao Cancelo.