"Better show up in this match", "How is he still starting" - Barcelona fans question star's inclusion in XI for Elche clash

Barcelona fans online were left disappointed with Jules Kounde's inclusion in their starting XI to face Elche in LaLiga on November 2. The Frenchman has seen a recent dip in form, especially after his performance in the 2-1 loss in the Clasico.

Hansi Flick's starting XI against Elche features multiple regular starters. Wojciech Szczesny starts at the goal. Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Balde form the backline. The midfield includes Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, and Fermin Lopez. The attacking lineup features Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford.

Fans took to X to react to the lineup, with many questioning Jules Kounde featuring in it. One Culer wrote:

"How is kounde still starting."

Ayo🛐

@fynboydavee

@ReshadFCB How is kounde still starting

Other netizens agreed and weighed in on the lineup:

ferminx🫡🏳

@primejulian9

@ReshadFCB Kounde starting😭😭

🍗

@NotJoan3d

I mean it’s a decent lineup except for Kounde and Ferran but oh well just win please 🙏@FCBarcelona

JÂYÇŪL

@Justjaycul

Kounde should rest, he needs it.

Barcelona fans continued to share their thoughts on Kounde's inclusion:

Barcapov4653

@eilia1388

@BarcaTimes Kounde better show up in this match or he's gonna taste the bench very much soon

Anabella💙❤️

@AnabellaMarvy

I really don’t want Kounde to start tonight

Islam Bouafif 🇹🇳🇵🇸

@BouafifNour

So we’re once again going with Eric at CB and Kounde at RB, even with Araujo starting. I guess Flick wanted to rest Cubarsí, and with Christensen injured, he didn’t have many alternatives for the backline. Still, I personally would’ve liked to see Kounde benched today.

Following their loss in the Clasico last week, Barcelona are third in the LaLiga table with 22 points off 10 games. Hansi Flick's side must win their next games to be able to get back in the race for the title after winning it last season.

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Elche star Rafa Mir heaps praise on Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal ahead of LaLiga clash

Lamine Yamal - Source: Getty

In an interview with MARCA, Elche star Rafa Mir showered praise on Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. Despite his recent dip in form, the Spaniard continues to instil high hopes in the football world. Mir said (via Barca Universal):

"Lamine Yamal is a great player and great things are happening around him. He’s going to have to live with that for a long time. I think we have to help him because he’s part of our football heritage, an important part of our national team, and he’s also very young. He has done great things for his age. We all have to help him so that he can continue to grow and show what kind of footballer he is."

Lamine Yamal recently faced criticism after his poor performance in Barcelona's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Clasico this month. The Spaniard had made controversial comments about their archrivals ahead of the clash, accusing them of "stealing" and then "complaining".

Moreover, Yamal has also been suffering from a pubic injury for a while. Recent reports suggest he has been diagnosed with pubalgia. It remains to be seen how his recovery progresses and whether he gets back to his stellar form. At the young age of 18, the Spaniard has already become a key figure in the Blaugrana squad and is crucial to Flick's future plans.