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Barcelona’s tactical evolution under Hansi Flick puts two players under pressure

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In Hansi Flick’s first season at Barcelona in 2024/25, the identity of his first-choice full-backs could not have been more firmly established.

Source excerpt · Barca Universal ↗
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Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona
Barca Universal · feed photo

From the source

Source excerpt · Barca Universal ↗

In Hansi Flick’s first season at Barcelona in 2024/25, the identity of his first-choice full-backs could not have been more firmly established. Whenever fit and available, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde were two of the first names on the team sheet for the German manager.

Fast forward a couple of seasons, though, and the duo are struggling to earn a starting berth under Flick. However, there is a case to be made that the two players falling out of favour is not a coincidence but part of a broader tactical evolution in Flick’s use of full-backs.

According to SPORT, the German manager is increasingly favouring full-backs with the intelligence and technical qualities of midfielders. Xavi Espart’s emergence was one of the first signs that Flick was keen to change the way he uses full-backs in his team.

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Reported
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Barca Universal ↗
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Barcelona

Attributed publisher reporting. Kickjolly has not independently confirmed the claim.

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This brief is drawn from Barca Universal. The original report is linked below for its complete context.

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