
BarcaFutbol
@BarcaFutbolLive
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 & 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.