Barcelona defender wants to be a starter for France in the upcoming World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, with many nations already submitting their final 23-man squad list for the coveted tournament.

As far as the defending champions France are concerned, coach Didier Deschamps is yet to finalise the squad. But there is a strong chance that Barcelona defender Jules Kounde will be included in the list, having become one of Europe’s most talented young centre-backs.

While being included in the team itself will be quite the achievement for young Kounde, it appears the Barça defender has much higher expectations.

In a recent media interaction, Kounde has stated that he wants to be a starter for France in the upcoming World Cup. Although he would ideally like to operate at his favoured centre-back position, he would not mind operating at right-back, if required.

“I want to be a starter for France in the World Cup. I’m used to playing as a centre-back, but if the coach asks me to play at right-back I will accept it without any problem,” said Kounde (h/t Barça Universal).

Although the 23-year-old is set to face stiff competition from a host of other talented centre-backs in the French team, he is prepared to fight for his place in the side.

Kounde has already won 12 caps for Les Bleus in his short career so far. However, in the midst of his struggles with injuries, it will be interesting to see whether or not he will get the nod ahead of other defensive options Deschamps has at his disposal.

As a matter of fact, Kounde is doubtful to appear in Barcelona’s Tuesday night encounter against Osasuna, which, in turn, will be the club’s final game before the club football goes into an early hiatus.