AS: Conde and Balde s statistics and performance have declined this season, which has affected Barcelona s performance

"AS" reported that Conde and Balde have declined in form and data this season, which has affected Barcelona's performance.

Barcelona's defense has been questioned since the beginning of the season. People miss the commanding ability of Inigo Martinez. Among the remaining central defenders, only Eric Garcia seems to be in the best condition. Looking at the full-back position, Konde and Balde are completely different. Both players are performing well below last season's level, when they played a key role in Barca's stellar run.

Last season, the good tacit understanding between Balde and Rafinha on the left, and Konde and Yamal on the right, destroyed Barcelona's opponents. Due to declining form and injuries, these four players failed to maintain continuity in the early stages of the season, and the team's performance has naturally suffered as a result.

For example, Balde contributed ten assists in the 2024-25 season and scored one goal in 47 games. He missed five games in September due to a muscle injury and now appears to be struggling to regain his best form. He is famous for his speed, but now he has not shined too much on the offensive end, with only 2 assists, and it is difficult to effectively contain the opponent's offense on the defensive end.

Conde's situation is even more surprising. Although he served as a substitute in two games at the beginning of the season, he is still a key figure in Flick's tactics and is the undisputed starter. He only missed the latest round due to foot pain. While he has maintained a consistent presence, he is nowhere near the solidity and level he displayed last season, when he put up excellent numbers with four goals and eight assists. So far this season, he has scored a goal and provided an assist in the Champions League against Newcastle. On the defensive end, he often showed a lack of concentration and was more easily penetrated by opponents.

The coaching staff and sports management expect these two players to rebound in the next games, and the club has absolute confidence in these two players. Kounde extended his contract this summer until 2030, while Balde, who has shown the ability to bring Alba off the bench and has proven to be a vital player in the team when he is in good form, is out of contract in 2028.