Newspaper Article Rewrite:
In a surprising turn of events, Jules Koundé has managed to frustrate Kylian Mbappé, and he seems to relish in it. Despite facing criticism for his performance as a right-back, Koundé has held his ground and maintained his position as a starter for both Barcelona and the French national team. His standout performance in the Champions League, particularly against Kylian Mbappé’s PSG, has solidified his position.
Mbappé, on the other hand, has had a less than stellar end to the season at PSG, with many attributing his struggles to coach Luis Enrique’s decisions. It appears that it was Koundé who posed a significant challenge to Mbappé during the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Barcelona. The French striker, while managing to score twice in the return leg, failed to shine against the Catalan side, largely due to Koundé’s effective defensive strategies.
Koundé’s ability to neutralize Mbappé has been a point of strength for the often-criticized defender. While primarily a center-back, Koundé has been filling in on the right side, with mixed reviews. Despite doubts surrounding his performance, Koundé sees his successful duel against Mbappé as a confidence booster and a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Koundé expressed his satisfaction in facing top-tier players like Mbappé and the motivation it provides to continue improving. While Koundé’s success against Mbappé may lead to a fruitful Euro 2024 campaign, Mbappé is unlikely to hold a grudge for long.
This unexpected turn of events has highlighted Koundé’s potential and determination to succeed, while also showcasing the challenges faced by top players like Kylian Mbappé.
