Questioned this Tuesday in Clairefontaine on the Golden Ball race, Jules Koundé (25) avoided the trap of favorites with mastery. “It is a difficult position between Barça and the French team. They all have an impressive season, but each in their own way “he launched, smiling. A smoothed, but revealing speech: “If a Barcelona wins him, it will mean that we have succeeded in a club. »» Involved: favor the collective… without offending Mbappé, big favorite.
Koundé faced with a balancingist exercise
On his tricolor friend Ousmane Dembélé, Koundé was less neutral. “Players like him are a nightmare for defenders. He decides the game, uses his two feet … we can limit it, but he always ends up going ”he analyzed, recalling their complicity in Blues. A compliment that falls, while PSG and Barça impress in the Champions League.
Another burning subject: Lamine Yamal, the nugget of 17 years. The Frenchman has lifted a corner of the veil on their alchemy: “People forget their age. He is a teenager who laughs, but on the ground, he has the maturity of an old man. We discuss a lot to adjust. »» A paid symbiosis: Koundé has already distributed 4 assists this season, often by exploiting the calls of the prodigy.
Barça, key to the Ballon d'Or?
By refusing to choose between Mbappé (31 goals all competitions) and Yamal (13 goals and 20 assists at 17 years old), Koundé sends a subliminal message: “For a Catalan to win, it takes titles. »» A realistic bet, while Barça dominates the Spanish championship. But the defender, pragmatic, put on the end of the season to decide between the candidates: “The collective titles will weigh heavily. »»
The red line of diplomacy
By carefully avoiding to name Mbappé – however irresistible to Real -, Koundé protects his rear. A clever choice, while the clásicos could sculpt the hierarchy of the Ballon d'Or. The fact remains that his heart balances: “I'm lucky to play with these monsters, whatever the camp. »»
One thing is certain: in 2025, the Ballon d'Or could well trigger a Cold War Barça-Real. And Koundé, in Sage, is already preparing his bunker.
