Jules Koundé returns to Barcelona after France run

Jules Koundé, the Barcelona right back, has returned from the international break with confidence after his most recent start for France. In the fourth and final match against Belgium, he played the full 90 minutes as Les Bleus won 4-1.

Koundé had only started France’s opener vs Turkey before that, so he ends the window with two full matches and 180 minutes overall. Beyond the minutes, he believes he’ll have to fight for the starting spot under Zinedine Zidane’s new France.

Before Belgium, he was self-critical and said he feels “very good physically” and has “no injury”, adding that any reduced playing time links to last season. He also stressed that training with Zidane helps him refine his ball-control style.