Barcelona growing concerned about the form of their full-backs | Barca Universal

"FC Barcelona are still reeling from their disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday night in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. It was a performance to forget for the Blaugrana, especially in the defensive line, as they ended up shipping four goals within the first 45 minutes. Now, according to SPORT, there is one issue that causes concern within Barcelona due to its repetition - the lapses being made by the full-backs. The performance of the two starting full-backs, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, was very poor against Atletico Madrid. Within the Catalan club, this is seen as a recurring issue."

"If in the last season, the displays of Kounde were beyond reproach and he excelled in attacking duties, this campaign, he is far from that level. He has not found consistency and, above all, his defensive performances are below expectations. In the case of Balde, there is also a degree of concern regarding his defensive level. His tracking back against Atletico left much to be desired, and, both tactically and in terms of intensity in duels, he showed that he is not going through a confident period."

"The Spanish full-back is viewed as a long-term project on the left flank at Barcelona, but more is expected of him. No one doubts the status of either Balde or Kounde. Their place in the starting eleven is not under immediate threat either. Moreover, Joao Cancelo and Gerard Martin are purely seen as backups in the full-back positions. As such, the coaching staff will continue working to recover the best version of both Kounde and Balde, which is essential for facing important fixtures as the business end of the season nears."

Barcelona suffered a heavy defeat, conceding four goals in the first 45 minutes that exposed defensive weaknesses. Recurrent lapses by the starting full-backs, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, have become a primary concern. Kounde has regressed from last season, lacking consistency and delivering subpar defensive performances. Balde has shown insufficient defensive tracking, tactical shortcomings, and low intensity in duels, undermining confidence. Neither player's place in the starting eleven is immediately threatened, with Joao Cancelo and Gerard Martin viewed as backups. The coaching staff will work to restore both full-backs to peak form ahead of crucial late-season fixtures.

Read at Barca Universal