Barcelona coach Xavi: Kounde must stay here

Barcelona coach Xavi is delighted with the progress of Jules Kounde this season.

The France defender has impressed at fullback under Xavi.

He said: I'm very excited about Jules. It was an almost personal signing of mine. He's one of the best defenders at the moment.

"He has many qualities, he's a leader, he reads the game, he has a lot of quality. The job of stopping [Kylian] Mbappe was more of a collective effort. Jules is a lot to do with it, but Ronald, Sergi Roberto moved across a lot, Lamine Yamal with the covering runs we were very supportive, and very generous."

Kounde has to be a Barca defender. It doesn't matter where and how many we play with. He is a defender and he is there to help the team like everyone else. And that has become clear."