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Alejandro Balde seems to have exploded into a marauding fullback terrorising defences,  from the beginning of this year. After years of promise is this his breakout season?  A short thread on the  21-year-old LB, who culers across the world have their hopes pinned on.👇🧵 

Excellent attacking output (0.97) and progressive runs (0.92). Strong in aerial duels (0.82) and defensive duels (0.85). Passing accuracy at 0.87 indicates solid build-up play. Classic modern fullback profile with room to improve in expected assists (0.51) 

Balde's evolution : Peak in 22/23. Elite crossing (94.8%) + defensive actions (13.4). 23/24: Adapted role post injury, with ↑ aerial success (81.9%). 24/25: More balanced profile with ↑ progressive passes (22.5)
Interesting shift from explosive rookie season to more rounded fullback.

Comparing Balde with similar-profile FBs: Spinazzola leads crossing (91.7%) + xA (83.1%), while Couto excels in prog. passes (85.2%). KWP stands out defensively (25.2 actions). Balde (21) shows a more balanced profile: strong aerial duels (79.5%) + prog. carries (91.0%) 

Elite company. Sitting in the upper-right quadrant alongside Tavares, Diallo &amp; Walker-Peters with 9+ offensive duels per 90, showing why he can become amongst the the most dynamic modern fullbacks in Europe. 

Compared to similar FBs in La Liga, Balde's elite final-third metrics (top-5 in dribbles/penalty box passes), strong attacking actions (8th percentile) and decent short passing (16th) paint the picture of a modern hybrid FB/winger, though his lower defensive duel success (38th) suggests room for growth in his overall game

With almost 66% of win in defensive duels with sizeable contribution in the final third, Balde's absence of interceptions/sliding tackles suggests a modern fullback who prioritises positioning  over aggressive defensive actions 

Balde does have defensive vulnerabilities . Clustering of lost duels in critical Zone 14 (0.71 xG) and penalty area (0.59 xG from 7 losses) shows a concerning pattern of vulnerability when isolated 1v1, with 60% shot-to-target conversion rate  . It suggests, that opponents are exploiting these defensive lapses for high-quality chances

Balde's recovery data reveals 161 total recoveries with impressive counter-pressing intensity (63 recoveries, with 26 in final third) and smart positioning (67 recoveries in own third). Minimal sliding tackles (2) and strategic interceptions (30) pain the picture of a more proactive rather than reactive defender

155 total losses with a striking 51% (79) occurring in the final third. The even distribution between own third (39) and central third (37) losses, coupled with a high loss index of 1.78, suggests an aggressive but sometimes overly risky approach to progression that sometimes leaves Barça vulnerable to transitions

87.23% accuracy with significant xG contribution (0.66 xGChain, 0.56 xG buildup per 90). While his 44.97 passes/90 and strategic positioning demonstrate his crucial role in Barça's build-up phase,  the varying accuracy circles (50-90%) hint at room for improvement in high-risk passing scenarios.

Impressive volume of 125 progressive passes (75.2% accuracy) . But concerning 72.3% loss rate after progressive runs coupled with declining pass accuracy at longer distances (from 78% at 20-30m to 68.8% at 30-40m) suggests better decision-making needed in the final third 

Balde's dribbling stats reveal elite ball progression: impressive 76.4% success rate on 110 attempts (4.9 per 90), while generating significant threat (1.80 xG, 15 shots). Has that killer ability to destabilise defences across multiple opponent profiles. 

Not very accurate or dangerous in his crosses with 41.7% accuracy generating 1.38 xA. There is consistency across multiple data parameters of the improvement he needs in his final third delivery. However, his connection with Raphinha (5 crosses, 3 shot assists) and variety in delivery (20 ground crosses with 6 successful cutbacks) shows promising creativity.

Barca Betis was an exhibition of Champagne Football mesmerising supporters and neutrals alike . Culers, a a few quick thoughts from the high of last night at the Montjuic!! 🧵👇 

Fluid 4-2-3-1 with F. De Jong (#21) as the midfield anchor. Yamal (#19) &amp; Raphinha (#11) providing width while Gavi (#6) operated in the half-spaces behind Dani Olmo (#20) who played a false 9. Barca rolled back the years with an entirely new cast  #FCB #HansiBall 

Flick's Barça build-up! De Jong (#21) as the circulation hub, heavy left-side bias (50% play). Strong triangle between Cubarsí (#2), Gerard Martin (#35) & midfield. Peña (#13) actively involved in first phase. Interesting split of zones: 28% left, 50% central, 22% right. Heavy emphasis on progressive passing through the middle third.

De Jong (90) & Pedri (69) running the show for Flick's Barça! Cubarsí (75) showing incredible maturity as always - Strong chemistry between De Jong and Pedri . Araújo's 51 touches show aggressive CB positioning while Olmo's 46 unveiled his mastery as a False 9 and another trick that Barca will certainly use a lot more in the season

It's not that Lamine Yamal is probably the world's best player ATM. He is also incredibly good in recoveries as well. With (15 duels) he was absolutely COOKING on that right flank! Pisco Rodríguez (25 duels) was the main battle zone - intense midfield warfare with Gavi (12 duels)  . Gerard Martin & Koundé (14 duels each) showing defensive steel vs Betis' wide threats

📊 xG THREAD: Barça (2.88) vs Betis (1.51) - Flick's Barca are a chance creating machine. Raphinha (1.08 xG) TERRORISING that right side before coming off. Betis ramped up late (1.14 2H xG) but Barça controlled early doors (1.61 1H xG). Pau Victor (0.38 xG) instant impact off bench!. This could have been a 8-1.

PURE CRUYFFIAN  bragging rights with  88% accuracy Consistency across both halves while Betis struggled early (77% ➡️ 82%). That 15-min spell where Betis hit 85% had Flick FUMING but Barça stayed composed. Look at the final 15 mins - Barça peaking at 91% when it mattered the most! Elite press-resistance

First half superiority (54%) shows Flick's press working but 2H fatigue evident (50-50). That min 61-75 dip is not the first time. Flick's gameplay can win Barca all the honours but they will need legs deep into the season. Rotations will be key 

Barça averaging 1 attack every 2 mins (0.47) Flick's men kept RELENTLESS pace across both halves  with no dropoff!
That early Betis withdrawal from 0.40 ➡️ 0.20 tells the story. Elite pressing destroying rhythm from min 15 - min 75 . #BarcaBetis 

Barça's dominance painted in numbers  - 2.88 xG, 88% pass accuracy, and suffocating 0.47 attacks/min. Strangled Betis to 0.20 attacks/min for 60mins straight. This was pure exhibition football and when  in this flow, Barca is the most entertaining football team in the world ATM. But it's young team. Let's hope we win some titles this year. 

Visca El Barca!