The dangers of selling Jules Kounde (and what City has shown us)

Jules Koundé's approach leaves Barça in an uncomfortable position. Especially if it is confirmed that he is willing to leave if he does not play regularly at centre-back. Faced with the Frenchman's challenge, many would opt for drastic measures. It is a reaction that, above all, is born of anger and, therefore, more linked to outburst than to deep reflection. 

Xavi should invest time in convincing the Frenchman and the club should think carefully about what it loses if he leaves. This season, the great competitive leap has been a defence without which this league cannot be understood. Koundé has been part of a line that has been elite in winning duels. Guardiola himself, who wanted to sign Koundé, recently recalled City's big change this season: accumulating defenders who win one-on-one situations.

"This season I have realised that in the Champions League you need defenders who can defend at that level and win individual duels. Because you face players who need to beat you just once in a duel to win you the game. That's been the big change this season."

Pep was referring to how, in many games, City have ended up defending with four centre-backs. Three closing down (Aké, Rubén Dias and Akanji) and another accompanying from midfield like Stones. A significant change above all because of the way they have given up more attacking profiles such as Cancelo, a key player in previous seasons. 

The best Koundé, the one we saw at Sevilla and here before the World Cup, is that type of defender who enjoys defending. A powerful centre-back in attacking play, dominant in the open field and who transmits the calm of great defenders. He is also resilient, an important quality if we remember the injury record of Araujo, Christensen or Íñigo Martínez. To give up on the possibility of that version after an irregular season would be rash.

His profile is more necessary than Christensen's in the kind of games Guardiola was referring to in the Champions League. Xavi himself, in the documentary series 'FC Barcelona, a new era', highlighted the possibilities of the pairing of Koundé and Araujo. "Can you imagine him and Araujo together? My God, two beasts. With them we can play a very high line, like Liverpool". 

Among the arguments in favour of selling him is the possibility of signing a full-back and continuing to do business. But, if Barça manage to sell Koundé for 80 million, they will be in a weak position to negotiate his replacement. Clubs will know that he has money and that he needs a replacement. The result will be a less competitive replacement for a similar amount.