The summer transfer window for Chelsea is taking a serious turn after showing genuine interest in the French defender Jules Koundé from Sevilla. Chelsea have already registered English winger Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and finally getting hold of Koundé could be the icing on the cake. Chelsea bid adieu to Rudiger who single-handedly carried the defence on many occasions. However, Todd Boehly era has just begun and have already started to show some bright sparks in the team after the takeover.
Jules Koundé began his playing career in 2004 as a six-year-old with Fraternelle de Landiras. It has been a very typical journey like a ton of professional footballers, but his determination to be a top-class talent shouldn’t be ruled out and credits should be given. The 22-year-old has made his mark in this footballing galaxy after witnessing his qualities in the European and domestic leagues. Only being 5’10” as a centre-back looks for a very challenging time for the person but surprisingly, Koundé is just an exception. When we look at the Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta who plays in a similar position we can clearly see Koundé being there. Koundé has the capability to bring the same set of skills that a 30yr plus defender can.
Even though 5’10” is quite short being a defender but we really haven’t seen any kind of faults whatsoever. He is such a kind of a player who can leap higher than his opponents despite being shorter. In the 19/20 campaign, his aerial duel success rate was an average of around 74.5%. Ever player has some sort of a drawback which may be the pace, height or strength but in Koundé’s case it’s his judgement. Many times due to the high-intensity pressure that gets built up in the game makes the player fumble and nervous. Often we have seen Koundé struggle when the ball has picked up the pace and venom during the crosses.
Where the 22-year-old particularly shines is in his ground duels. When Koundé has defending to do he does it on his front foot. The way he analyses every situation makes him regain possession. Meanwhile, his comparatively short height often helps him command his frame in a much more composed manner as compared to a 6-foot defender. Koundé is a very smart defender who doesn’t usually go into harsh tackles right in front of the penalty box. He is agile which prevents a lot of wingers or attackers to get past him especially in counterattacks.
Also Read – Will Jules Kounde become the next ‘Antonio Rudiger’ for Tuchel’s Chelsea?
Another jaw dropping trait possessed by this young man is the ability to carry the ball forward and surprise the opposition with his hidden attacking ability. Koundé attempts 1.24 dribbles per 90 at a 71.7% success rate.4.98 passes into the final third are representative of his incisiveness. Koundé is seldom in the wrong. He is very much comfortable producing lofty and direct passes accurately to his fellow teammates.
STRENGTHS-
• Aerially dominant
• Overall physical profile
• Versatility to play at right-back
WEAKNESSES-
• Impact in possession
• Can get sucked into midfield when defending
The 21-year-old’s speed is a key component of his game. Before his opponents pull the trigger, he’s the one to quickly put a block to it and try to put the ball back into their own possession. Koundé averaged 3.27 successful pressures in the defensive third last season in La Liga.
Koundé already holds the right ingredients and character to make him one of the best defenders in Europe. At Chelsea, he’s expected to start as a centre-back featuring alongside the new signing Koulibaly and club captain Azpilicueta. It’s gonna be a blockbuster transfer window if somehow Chelsea manage to catch hold of this buzzing young talent. Barcelona are on the hunt for him as well. Chelsea’s system totally fits the player considering the style that is very much similar to that of his former club Sevilla. Given the track record of adapting to a new environment and when it’s the Premier League especially the player has to be on the top of his game every time he steps up the pitch to represent his respective team.
