Talent Scout Stars to watch at the Under-21 Euros

Sevilla

In a sentence

Probably the most accomplished young centre-back in Europe at the moment; a rear-guard rock blessed with sensational offensive qualities as well.

What they say

“He’s still young. It’s up to him to keep up the momentum he has built with his club and the Under-21s. One day or another, he could be in a position to be called up to our senior team”

France coach

Didier Deschamps

“Jules is a young player of great talent. Above and beyond his physical and technical attributes, he also has what I consider to be the most important thing of all at the highest level – the mind. That’s the key. How he learns and develops”

Sevilla coach

Julen Lopetegui

The story so far

Born in Paris on November 12, 1998, Kounde spent most of his formative years in south-west France. He joined his first football club – Fraternelle de Landiras – at the age of six, continuing his apprenticeship at other regional outfits, Cerons and La Brede.

Inducted into the academy of Ligue 1 giants Girondins de Bordeaux in 2013, aged 14, he skippered the club in every category from schoolboy to youth team, excelling in central defence. He made his senior debut for Bordeaux in January 2018 in a French Cup tie against US Granville. A week later, he appeared in his first Ligue 1 encounter, a 1-0 away win at Troyes.

Scouted by much-celebrated Sevilla recruitment chief Monchi, he was snapped up by the Andalusians in the summer of 2019 for €25 million. He helped Sevilla claim the Europa League last season and recently scored an incredible solo goal in a Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona.

Made his representative football bow with France’s Under-18s in 2018, having had no interest in playing for Benin, the West African state his father hailed from.

The next step

Despite having a good three years left on his contract with Sevilla, it would be an amazing turn of events if this was not his last campaign at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. His release clause is set at €80m and somehow, some way, a European big-hitter will come up with the necessary amount of bullion. Real Madrid, PSG and both Manchester clubs are thought to be in pole position.

Strengths

For someone relatively short (5ft 10ins), he wins the lion’s share of his aerial challenges, relying on athleticism and timing to leap with the best. He is very comfortable on the ball, especially impressive in the precision of his long balls. Pacy, excellent in one-on-one duels and never one to dive in for tackles. Rarely commits fouls.

Weaknesses

He can still suffer from rare moments of inattention, to be a little careless.

“One day or another, he could be in a position to be called up to our senior team”

France coach Didier Deschamps