"There will definitely be moments when I need help" - Barcelona star speaks up on facing Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr in El Clasico

Barcelona star Jules Kounde has opened up on the prospect of facing Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr in the upcoming El Clasico matchup between the two sides. The Frenchman claimed that a 'team effort' will be required to stop the tricky Brazilian, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.

Vinicius has been a prolific performer in Spain and Europe over the past few seasons, contributing largely to Real's success. He has bagged 91 goals and 82 assists in 278 appearances across all competitions, hitting the 10-goal and assist mark in each of his last three campaigns.

His scintillating form has carried over into the 2024-25 season, with eight goals and seven assists in 14 appearances across all competitions. He is also going into El Clasico on the back of a Champions League hat-trick which inspired Los Blancos to a 5-2 comeback victory over Borussia Dortmund.

On the other hand, Kounde has been one of Barcelona's best defenders this season. Outside of a 4-2 loss to Osasuna, the Catalans have only conceded eight goals in the 12 games that he has played (four clean sheets).

In an interview with SportyTV ahead of El Clasico, Kounde spoke out about his side's gameplan against Vini. He said:

"He (Vinicius) is probably the biggest threat, but they (Real Madrid) have other players. It's a team full of talent, players who can decide games almost single-handedly. Vinicius is not a player you can stop on your own, especially for 90 minutes. He doesn't stop, and there will definitely be moments when I need help."

"That’s normal because, in the end, it's a team sport. It's a challenge because I'll be in his area most of the time, but it's also a team effort, and I'm sure we'll do a good job," Kounde added.

After 10 rounds of fixtures, Barcelona currently sit atop the LaLiga standings with 27 points (nine wins, one loss), just three points ahead of Real Madrid (seven wins, three draws).

"I love playing against the best" - Barcelona star Jules Kounde makes claim about Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde labelled Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr a 'top candidate' for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. The Frenchman said that he was relishing the match-up against the 24-year-old, claiming that he loves 'playing against the best'.

In the 2023-24 season, Vinicius bagged 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across all competitions. With his sensational performances week in and week out, he helped Real win LaLiga, the UEFA Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana.

After such an incredible season, he is widely considered one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or. The other favourites include his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, and Manchester City duo Rodri and Erling Haaland.

In an interview with SportyTV ahead of El Clasico, Kounde gave Vinicius his flowers and played up the matchup against him. He said (via Barca Universal):

"He is definitely a top candidate for the Ballon d'Or and one of the best players but for me, this is a challenge. This is also why I play football, I love playing against the best, and Saturday's game is no exception."

Barcelona renew their rivalry with Real Madrid on Saturday, October 26, in what will be the 258th edition of the iconic fixture.