Koundé, Cubarsí, Balde... The 1x1 of Barça's defenders in the first half of the season

Hansi Flick managed to define his starting defense right at the beginning of the season. Despite multiple injuries, the coaching staff built an organized defense that is experienced in playing away from their area, nullifying their rivals with an infallible offside tactic. At least that was the case during the first two months of the 2024/25 season. From November onwards, opponents began to find ways to hurt the blue and garnet backline and, due to physical wear and the lack of depth, the team suffered greatly at the back in the last weeks. Thus, we saw the culé defenders in the first half of the season.

Jules Koundé: Essential

The Frenchman has proven to be one of the best right-backs in the world, although he has made it clear that he prefers to play as a center-back. Despite some errors in build-up play, the '23' has been essential for Flick, accumulating minutes in every match of the season. 1 goal and 6 assists in 2,065 minutes is his tally so far.

Iñigo Martínez: Leader

The Basque player has also been among the 'untouchables' of the German coach, taking on an unexpected leadership role in a young defense. Not for nothing, he is the defender with the most minutes so far. The '5' only rested in one match and has accumulated 2,136 minutes of play where he has mostly fulfilled his role as a second center-back, being very attentive in covering spaces and contributing 2 goals and 4 assists in attack.

Pau Cubarsí: Demanding

The youth player has also taken on a huge responsibility for a boy of just 17 years. In the last matches, he has made more mistakes than usual in one-on-ones and with his specialty, the low build-up, which seems to indicate that physical wear is starting to affect him. Like Koundé, he has seen action in all the team's matches (1,971 minutes), adding 1 assist.

Alejandro Balde: Questioned

The lack of competition on the left seems to be affecting the '3', who has not been entirely sharp on his flank. While he has provided 4 assists in 22 matches (1,662 minutes), at times he gives too much advantage by pushing forward to position himself as a winger. Iñigo has had to work harder than usual to try to cover the spaces he tends to concede. Looking ahead to the summer, the signing of another defender capable of challenging for his starting position is expected.

Eric García: Utility

Flick has used him more as a defensive pivot due to the multiple injuries that affected the blue and garnet midfield between August and October. A pubalgia left him 'KO' for a month when he was showing his best level. Nevertheless, the coaching staff considers him important, as he is the only defender capable of covering up to three different positions. 541 minutes spread over 13 matches (7 as a starter, with 1 assist) summarize his season.

Sergi Domínguez: Testimonial

The 19-year-old defender has alternated appearances with the reserve team and the first team, substituting for Cubarsí and Iñigo in 5 matches (3 in La Liga, 2 in Champions). Flick included him in the XI against Villarreal and Osasuna. At El Madrigal, he struggled, while in Pamplona he was clearly outmatched while partnering with Pau. So far, he has accumulated 206 minutes of play with Barça.

Gerard Martín: Overwhelmed

The 22-year-old full-back has not had much luck when called upon to replace Alejandro Balde. His last performances, against Celta and Las Palmas, were quite poor, as well as in Pamplona against Osasuna. Nevertheless, he has added a couple of assists in 14 matches (565 minutes).

Héctor Fort: Marginalized

Koundé's great performance has marginalized him after gaining prominence last season, playing on the opposite side to cover for Balde's absence. So far, he has seen action in 9 La Liga matches and 1 Champions match (297 minutes), leaving good impressions as a starter against Alavés and Espanyol.

Ronald Araujo: Injured

The 'charrúa' missed the entire first half of the season due to a right thigh injury suffered during the Copa América that required him to undergo surgery. Ronald received medical clearance this month, but he has yet to log his first minutes. Since January, he aims to regain the lost leadership.

Andreas Christensen: Incognito

The Dane only played in matchday 1 of La Liga, against Valencia. He then suffered a long-term injury, of which not many details were known until well into October. A tendinopathy in his left Achilles still keeps him in the blue and garnet infirmary and he is expected to return, finally, in January, although his return date is still unknown.