How Balde can become world's BEST defender after signing new Barcelona contract
Suraj Radia
- 20 Sept 2023 14:31 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona could have made one of their most important moves for the club’s future after signing defender Alejandro Balde to a new long-term contract and tying down the wonderkid for his peak years.
The 19-year-old has extended his contract until 2028 after establishing himself as Barca’s first-choice right-back, while also filling in on the opposite side at many points last season.
Balde has already made more than 50 appearances for Barca’s senior side and his maturity has led to six caps for Spain, including a spot in their squad for last year’s World Cup.
Already a La Liga champion with Champions League experience and a regular at international level, it Is no wonder that Barca insisted on valuing the mandatory release clause in Balde’s new contract at €1 billion.
While the teenager perhaps won’t command a fee that high, the value of his clause highlights his importance to Xavi and justifies his potential, with SciSports data believing Balde capable of becoming the best defender in the world.
Although fellow youngsters such as Gavi, Pedri and Lamine Yamal have been in the limelight in recent times for the Catalans, it is Balde who could prove to become one of the finest players to wear the Barcelona shirt this generation.
The numbers that show Balde can become world’s BEST
SciSports using data-driven analytics to give quantifiable reflections of a player’s current ability and potential, among other statistics.
Using the unique algorithm, Balde is considered to have one of the highest potential abilities of any defender under the age of 21, with a figure of 128.7.
To put that number into context, the best defender in the world at this time is Ruben Dias, who has a current ability of 128.4, meaning Balde could become slightly superior to the Manchester City star if he fulfils his SciSports potential.
Jules Kounde is considered the best player capable of playing full-back, with a rating of 126.4, although the Frenchman has moved to his preferred centre-back role this season after the arrival of Joao Cancelo, leaving Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold as the world’s top right-back at 120.2, giving Balde plenty of room to eclipse the current top stars.
Balde’s current rating is 91.1, putting him just behind Brentford’s Aaron Hickey for wing-backs under 21, although the Barca man is two years the junior of the Scotsman.
Ultimately Balde’s rapid rise to the top has given Barca a natural, long-term successor to Jordi Alba and the La Liga side will be hoping their latest star can emulate the career of his predecessor and establish himself as one of the best defenders in the world for many years to come.
