First off, it nice to see this conversation shift from the extreme ("worst player in the starting XI") to the moderate and opinionated("weakest link in the starting XI").
If the definition of weakest link is the "one teams are likely to find a way to break us down" (
@DonAK )....then it is Kounde and
statistic speaks(Soccerstats.com) to it, not based on any "reactionary" feelings or perceptions.
Per Socccerstats.com, of the 29 goals conceded by Barca this season so far in La liga, 34.9% came from the center, 32.8% from the right and the remaining 32.3% from the left. if I were a Coach looking at where to attack Barca most and relying on statistics only, I would target the center or the right side more based on that.
Breaking it further, the central defensive roles have been shared by 5 players this season(Inigo, Curbasi, Aaraujo, Garcia and Dominguez). There is a steep gap in quality in the last 3 of those which may be responsible for that high proportion. Kounde has played 31/31 in la liga this season(baring the few cameos by Fort), meaning Kounde was solely responsible for the stats(32.8%) of goals conceded from that side. For the left side, Balde and Martin have shared that spot with Balde starting 28/31 and Martin starting the rest or coming on as a substitute. Despite the pronounced quality gap between the two players, the left side has had the least goals conceded.
So based on empiticals, where Barca is most likely to "be broken down" is through the central defence and can scientifically be regarded as the weakest area but given that many players have been used in that position and it is played by multiple players, it is difficult to indvidualise the goals. Kounde, being the right full back can
ans having played all the matches can then be ascribed with the next high goal concession rate per individual. He is the weakest link. The dribbled past and goals conceded per match between those two also supports this factually(Footystats.com)
It is very obvious that the weakest link being bandied about here is a matter of perception not backed by any statistic. It is clear those are personal opinions. Statistics state that Kounde is the weakest link in Barca.
Regardless, what it appears all have agreed on here is that labelling Balde the "worst player in the starting XI" at any time this season was an extreme. I can bet if you asked Dieter-Flick, he would pick Balde as one of his most important pawns based on the ROLES he plays in the team (last 2 matches made it more evident too)
