Written by Luke Entwistle for Get French Football News:
Jules Kounde isn't the only France right-back who doesn't necessarily perceive himself as a right-back. Benjamin Pavard is in the same boat but, unlike the Inter defender, Koundé doesn't look like being handed his chance to play through the middle, his preferred position, any time soon. Pavard's move to Inter last summer has allowed him the opportunity to play at centre-back, as he has always wanted, while Koundé often features at right-back for Barcelona. Once again, in contrast to Pavard, Koundé has accepted his conversion into a right-back, despite initially stating that he found playing in the position "difficult". "I never go there [right-back] reluctantly. I'm improving [in the position], especially in attack but I'm not reticent," said Koundé ahead of the 2022 World Cup. He will likely feature prominently in this position for France this summer.