Thread by @Squawka

[THREAD]

@azulfeehely describes Jules Koundé as one of Europe's most promising centre-backs. Let's take a look at why that might be.

#SquawkaScout x @LaLigaLowdown

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown "There’s few with as high a ceiling as the young Frenchman."

The full lowdown from @azulfeehely. 🔎

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown Koundé is an excellent defender, but when you consider the amount of space he has to cover due to the buccaneering Jesús Navas his work becomes even more impressive.

Just look at that coverage.

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown First and foremost, defenders should love defending. Koundé does.

Since the start of last season, he’s made more goal-line clearances (5) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues - a testament to his awareness, anticipation & concentration.

A busy boy inside the box.

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown At 5’11, Koundé is relatively small for a centre-back. But it doesn’t seem to have an impact on his aerial ability:

He contests 5.7 aerial duels per 90 with a win rate of 61%.

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown Since joining Sevilla, Koundé has completed more take-ons per 90 minutes than any other centre-back in LaLiga.

@muhammadbutt has previously labelled him a "box-to-box centre-back", which sounds a bit silly… but it’s exactly what he is.

And we can prove it.

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown @muhammadbutt In total, Sergio Ramos is the only centre-back in LaLiga with more touches in the opposition the box since the start of the 2019-20 season.

But when looking at per 90, Koundé is King.

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown @muhammadbutt Diego Carlos was signed the same summer as Koundé and they have gone on to form a Europa League-winning centre-back partnership.

Are they the best duo in LaLiga? You tell us. 🤔

@azulfeehely @LaLigaLowdown @muhammadbutt We shouldn't be surprised.

Jules Koundé was one of TWENTY-SEVEN French centre-backs we profiled when looking at their depth in that position.

Learn about the other 26 here - bit.ly/FranceCBs