Balde backs Adeyemi to make instant impact at Barcelona: ‘Impressed by just how quick he is’ | OneFootball

Barcelona have had a very decent summer transfer window so far, completing deals for both Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

While the chase for a new number nine continues to be elusive, especially with Barça’s preferred target, Julian Alvarez, seeming unrealistic, the club are continuing to look at alternatives.

One of the club’s current players, Alejandro Balde, has been around to welcome Adeyemi to Barcelona training, with the former getting a break this summer after not getting a World Cup call.

Balde believes new signing Adeyemi has all the qualities to become an important player for Barcelona, with the left-back praising the German’s pace after getting to know him during pre-season.

Speaking in a Q&A on the club’s official YouTube channel, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Balde discussed Adeyemi’s arrival, his own goals for the new campaign and some of his favourite memories in a Blaugrana shirt.

Balde impressed by Adeyemi’s pace

Although Adeyemi has only recently joined the squad, Balde revealed the pair have already built a good relationship.

Karin Adeyemi joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona)

“He’s only been here a short time, but we’ve spoken quite a lot. I think we’ve built a good relationship. He seems like a calm guy,” Balde said.

The Barcelona defender is confident the German international will make a positive contribution over the course of the season.

“I hope he can help us a lot during the season, and I’m sure he will. He’s very fast. He’s a player I’ve known about for a long time, and I’ve been impressed by just how quick he is,” he continued.

Eyes on more silverware

Balde also outlined his personal ambitions for the season, stressing that he still has plenty of room to improve despite already being an established first-team player.

“On an individual level, I want to keep improving and keep learning. I’m still a very young player, and I have a lot of room to improve. Those are my main goals,” he said.

Looking at the team’s objectives, Balde made it clear Barcelona want to build on last season’s success.

“As a team, we want to continue on the path we’re on, or even do better,” he added.

“If we can win more trophies, even better.”

Fond memories and dressing room bonds

Balde also reflected on some of the defining moments of his Barcelona career.

A crucial season ahead for Balde. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He picked the dramatic Clasico victory under Xavi Hernandez, when Franck Kessie scored the winner, as the match he has enjoyed the most.

“We won it at the last minute, and I was able to provide the assist for Kessie,” he recalled.

Asked about his favourite goal, Balde chose his strike against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Away from the pitch, the defender highlighted his close friendship with Raphinha.

“He’s very close to the younger players,” Balde said.

He also named Marc Casado, Lamine Yamal, Hector Fort, Gavi, Roony Bardghji and Ronald Araujo among his closest friends in the dressing room.

A huge season for the Barcelona left-back

Balde has been in the first-team picture for quite some time now, and the Spaniard has been good without ever becoming excellent.

The upcoming season is very important for Balde’s improvement. He needs to take his game a step forward and improve in the facets he is currently lacking.

In Balde, Barça have one of the most talented young left-backs in the sport, but he needs to explode like Nuno Mendes has in the last couple of seasons.

Hansi Flick would love to see an improved version of Balde next season, and it remains to be seen how the Spaniard develops.