The France defender has impressed at fullback under Xavi.
He said: I'm very excited about Jules. It was an almost personal signing of mine. He's one of the best defenders at the moment.
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"He has many qualities, he's a leader, he reads the game, he has a lot of quality. The job of stopping (Kylian) Mbappe was more of a collective effort. Jules is a lot to do with it, but Ronald, Sergi Roberto moved across a lot, Lamine Yamal with the covering runs we were very supportive, and very generous."
Kounde has to be a Barca defender. It doesn't matter where and how many we play with. He is a defender and he is there to help the team like everyone else. And that has become clear."