Jules Koundé offered everyone a sensational reminder as to why he’s one of the most talked-about centre backs in Europe against Barcelona last night.
This time round though, it wasn’t his defensive capabilities that got everyone talking in Sevilla’s 2-0 win in the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Picking up the ball just beyond the halfway line, the 22-year-old marauded forward, beating three Barca players before slotting home past Marc-Andre ter Stegen and rounding off a stunning solo effort.
What a goal from Jules Koundé! ?
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) February 10, 2021
A great individual effort from the Sevilla defender gives his side the lead against Barcelona ⚪? pic.twitter.com/MYgCLZetdK
The versatile defender has been touted as one of the most promising talents around right now, and with this kind of attacking knack to match his defensive capabilities, it’s easy to see why.
Koundé had been linked with Manchester City prior to them signing Rúben Dias, though United were also said to be interested in him last month and will continue keeping tabs on him ahead of the summer.
If anyone does end up signing him this year, his price tag may have just shot up considerably.
Ivan Rakitić also returned to haunt his former club to kill the game off with an emphatic finish.
It just had to be…Ivan Rakitic! ?
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) February 10, 2021
An outstanding finish against his former club doubles Sevilla's lead and puts them in the driver's seat in this semi-final tie ? pic.twitter.com/c6nZBMZyU5
It marked another setback for Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona side, who had seemingly started to turn around a poor start to the season and moved up to third in the LaLiga table.
They’ll now be tasked with turning around a two-goal deficit in the second leg at the Camp Nou in March.
Featured image credit: Premier Sports