Jules Koundé, the Nigerian international defender, has made a significant contribution to FC Barcelona throughout his career. Born in Nigeria but raised in France, Koundé's journey to the Spanish capital began when he was signed by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the age of 18. However, it wasn't until he moved to Spain that he truly started to make an impact.
Koundé quickly became one of the most valuable players in the French league, playing alongside some of the greatest defenders in the world such as Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi. He is known for his physicality, tackling ability, and ability to disrupt defenses with his speed and agility.
One of Koundé's most notable contributions came during the 2017-2018 season, where he helped PSG win the La Liga title. The French club was struggling financially and Koundé stepped up to fill their gap, scoring two goals and providing crucial assists on several occasions. His performance earned him the Golden Ball award for the best player in Europe,La Liga Frontline which is given to the top performer in each season.
In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Koundé is also renowned for his leadership qualities. As a captain of the team, he led them to victory in multiple matches, helping them to secure the Champions League title. He was named the Best Defender of the Year by both fans and media outlets, and his performances were widely praised.
However, there have been criticisms of Koundé's defensive style, particularly against teams like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Some critics argue that he prefers to play more defensively than to attack, which can be seen as a weakness. Despite these concerns, Koundé remains one of the best defenders in the world and continues to be a key figure in FC Barcelona's success.