Xavi: 'Kounde will give us a lot'

HARRISON, New Jersey — FC Barcelona's tour of the United States is in the final stretch. The team will face the NY Red Bulls this Saturday in its fourth and final tangle on American soil. In the buildup to this match, however, the protagonist not been the game, but instead Jules Kounde.

Xavi was asked multiple questions about Kounde, whose signing was made official just hours before Xavi's press conference.

"I am very happy about the arrival of Kounde," Xavi said. "He will bring us very good ball control. He is quick, aggressive, and corrects a lot of counter-attacking situations and transitions. He will help us a lot. He can also play full-back, like Araujo. The signing creates more competition, and that's great."

Xavi also made it clear that FC Barcelona wants to continue to strengthen the team in this summer transfer market. "Anything to make yourself stronger is good," he said. "I already said we need two players per position because of injuries and suspensions. It's a World Cup year and the calendar will be even tighter."

He gave a very positive assessment of the tour, which ends after the game on Saturday: "We still have the game against the NY Red Bulls, but I think it has been a very positive tour. Everyone has participated at a very high level."