The rumour mill is filled with transfer speculation linking household names and high-profile young talents with big-money moves to some of Europe’s top sides.
With the inflated prices being bandied about, clubs would do well to look past the names and identify potential superstars based on encouraging performances that may have been overlooked.
Promising talents often don’t get the attention they deserve because they’re featuring in lesser clubs away from the limelight of a title challenge or the recognition that comes with topping the charts for goals or assists.
A more extensive search though could unearth some hidden gems scattered across the European circuit and in this series, we put some of those players in the spotlight.
Bordeaux’s young centre-back Jules Kounde makes our latest edition.
STYLE OF PLAY
Blessed with a natural ability to identify forward movements, spot the opportunity for a pass and execute it, Kounde has become something of a secret weapon for Paulo Sousa’s side in Ligue 1 with oppositions perhaps not fully appreciative of the threat he poses when afforded time and space.
From his body position on receiving possession to his first touch into space, the Parisian is emerging as one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in France. His passing range is particularly impressive.
Not only does he spray diagonal balls forward to put his team on the front foot but his long passes over the top of defence create goal-scoring opportunities as well.
Kounde is blessed with good pace, regularly shuttling out wide to cover for the full-back.
Having bulked up over the last year, he boasts the athleticism required of a modern day centre-back in all but one aspect. The youngster stands at just 1.75 metres tall, short enough to immediately put off potential suitors.
He still ranks third among centre-backs in Ligue 1 for aerial duels won (120) but his success rate of 56.8 per cent, while not bad, isn’t exactly impressive either. While competent defensively, Kounde’s tackling still needs work as he can stand off his man at times, failing to recognise the opportunity to win possession.
The Frenchman is far from the finished article but has the potential to excel. How he develops and who he’s partnered with will be key.
KEY STATS
Kounde registered 10 key passes in Ligue 1 last season, which was joint-third for centre-backs.
He may not be the most dominant in the air, but his mobility saw him cut out crosses at the source on occasion. His seven crosses blocked last season was the fifth highest in the league.
The Bordeaux defender also ranked sixth among centre-backs for most passes (1888).
SIMILAR TO – Thomas Vermaelen
Given his stature and specific attributes, there aren’t a lot of centre-backs Kounde shares similarities with.
However, he can be loosely compared to Thomas Vermaelen in his heyday. Like Kounde, the 33-year-old – during his Arsenal days – was excellent in possession, covered ground swiftly, distributed the ball well and was comfortable in wide areas.
Kounde shares the Belgian’s odd lapse in concentration and while he’s comfortable striding forward, he hasn’t yet developed into the driving force from deep Vermaelen used to be. He is also yet to show a keen eye for goal.
CURRENT STATUS
After fleeting appearances for Bordeaux’s first team at the start of 2018, Kounde went about establishing himself as a mainstay in the line-up last season.
In January this year he was rewarded with a new contract that runs until 2023 meaning the French outfit won’t let him go without a bit of a fight. His development is progressing nicely at Matmut Atlantique but the right club could lure him away.
🇫🇷 Sevilla are closing in on securing the signature of Bordeaux defender Jules Kounde.
— The Scouted Hub (@TheScoutedHub) June 29, 2019
At just 20 years old, for £20m, this could prove to be another Monchi masterclass🕵️🏽 pic.twitter.com/SOX9WJEG6S
WHERE HE COULD THRIVE
Arsenal: The Gunners are currently in a battle to secure the services of Saint-Etienne centre-back William Saliba, but reports of rejected bids may leave them looking elsewhere. Kounde would add some much needed pace and mobility to the backline. The youngster seems suited to the high-line Unai Emery wants to employ while his distribution from deep is a big bonus with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang constantly threatening in behind.
Sevilla: Under Julen Lopetegui, Sevilla will be expected to operate with a targeted press in the attacking half meaning the defence will have to step up as well. The Spaniard will also want his centre-backs to be integral to build-up play and Kounde fits the bill. Reports from France, most recently L’Equipe, suggests negotiations between the two clubs started last week and an agreement could be reached for a fee above €20 million.
