EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Barcelona and Xavi have Centre back issues

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Barcelona have kicked off their season in flying style. The Blaugranas have collected 10 points out of a possible 12. They also start their UCL journey against Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday. Xavi and Barcelona look in fine form as they are scoring for fun at the moment. Lewandowski is enjoying life at his new club and is already La Liga’s top goalscorer. This season, the defense also looks rejuvenated with Christensen, Alonso, Bellerin, and Kounde coming in. Ter Stegen is finally looking like his older self and making ridiculous saves.

But it seems like coach Xavi has a big dilemma in his hands. Jules Kounde, the big-money signing from Sevilla, has had a great start to his Barcelona career. The Frenchman is highly valued by Xavi and was also named in the La Liga team of the week twice in a row. But Kounde reportedly is not happy with the position that the coach is playing him in. With Araujo and Garcia as the first choice pairing, Kounde is shifted to the right-back spot. However, he is much more comfortable in Central Defense. The 23-year-old has made this clear that his preferred position is CB.

On his preferred position and Barcelona signing Bellerin, he said:

“I feel good, there are definitely things I have to improve. The position does not make me uncomfortable, but everyone knows my position is at centre-back and I prefer centre-back. But if the manager needs me there then I don’t have a problem.I would say signing Bellerin and Me playing at CB is factual. Because he plays at right-back and he is a solution for the manager and then it is the manager who decides.”

Can Xavi get Barcelona to former glory?

The squad is there, the coach is there, What remains is the titles. Barcelona are now over their past. They have suffered enough humiliations in Europe and now seems the right time to elevate. Xavi has got a monster squad this time. Big things are expected of this team and Xavi is under a lot of pressure. It can finally be said that this squad is capable of winning it all. But that is all on paper. On the pitch, the chemistry between the new boys will take time.

Moreover, Barcelona will be highly confident to make it out of their UCL group. Bayern and Inter will not be easy opponents for the Catalans. But it will be a big test for them if they can top this group or even be second. Lewandowski will be looking to lead the frontline with Dembele and Raphinha. Big days are coming for the team as they will be tested to the limit. Pass or fail, Barcelona have big responsibilities to take care of this season.

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