After 12 months of tumult in Catalonia, Barcelona supporters have been offered some respite this summer by some of their brightest stars dazzling on the grand stage of Euro 2024.
Plenty has gone on at Barcelona between the conclusion of the La Liga season and the start of Euro 2024, with Hansi Flick joining the club as Xavi’s successor. The German was once projected to lead his country out their home Euros, but a dismal run of form in the wake of World Cup disappointment saw Flick get the boot.
The new Barcelona boss will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on events in his homeland over the next month, with 11 of his current players representing their respective nations at the tournament.
Here are the three players he would’ve been most impressed with following their efforts on Matchday 1.
Kounde’s relationship with Xavi was pretty complicated, with the French defender previously complaining about his right-back status. He endured a tough start to 2023/24 but came into his own during the second half of the season and worked his way back into Didier Deschamps’ plans for Euro 2024.
Kounde was included in France’s 26-man squad and he played the entirety of their opening game against Austria.
Austria’s astute pressing triggers troubled the French and the pre-tournament favourites were forced to do more defending than even Deschamps would’ve been comfortable with. And while they leant on Mike Maignan to save them once or twice, Kounde nonetheless impressed as part of a stout collective effort.
Kounde ended the night with three combined tackles and interceptions, as well as a team-high seven clearances. He also recorded the most touches among the French players and offered a source of progression in possession. Austria’s narrow creators meant Kounde often encountered the spritely Phillipp Mwene one-v-one, but the Barcelona man rarely flinched in such situations.
He’s blossoming into a premier right-back, whether the player himself likes it or not.
Expectations were high for the hosts on opening night, and they certainly didn’t disappoint as they battered Scotland 5-1 amid a stellar display.
Much of the discourse surrounding Germany‘s win focussed on young playmakers Florian Wirtz and the majestic Jamal Musiala, but savvy veteran Ilkay Gundogan also had a major role to play,…
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