The best FC Barcelona player right now is neither Lamine nor Lewandowski

FC Barcelona added its second straight victory in LaLiga on Saturday against Athletic Club (2-1) in another notable afternoon-night for Jules Koundé. The French international passed with honors the mission of nullifying Nico Williams on the wing, displaying character and physique to keep the right wing safe. Although Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski carry the team's offensive weight, the 25-year-old defender does the same at the back. 

In total, Jules completed 49 of 57 passes (86%), with 5 balls recovered and 6 of 10 duels won. The one from Paris had revenge against Nico Williams after the Euro Cup semi-final, containing the Basque winger's attacks with solvency, especially in a second half where the one from Pamplona had little impact inside the rival area. Despite having to settle for playing on the wing (he has said several times that he prefers to be central), the Frenchman seems increasingly comfortable as a winger, firm in his marking and careful when projecting himself in attack.

Not in vain, his crosses into the area and long passes are a very important weapon for Barça in attack. Against Athletic he also recorded 5 of 7 distance passes, along with another 7 touches in the final third of the field. Koundé knows that he can contribute a lot in the opponent's field, also being a guarantee in the aerial game both in defense and attack. After a weak start in 23-24, the '23' is completing a spectacular year, consolidating himself as one of the best right backs in Europe.

Koundé could rest on Tuesday against Rayo

In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick left the door open to make some changes to the lineup next Tuesday in Vallecas against Rayo. The demanding Barcelona calendar forces the coach to rotate, especially in positions like Koundé, with maximum wear and tear and few opportunities for rest. "At the moment, it is good for the players on the field to know how the one next to them reacts. We will see tomorrow how the players are. It may be that we change some things," explained the German coach. Last season, Jules totaled 4,099 minutes in 48 games (2 goals and 4 assists). For now, he has played every possible minute in the league's start.