Barcelona forward’s adaptation progressing slower than his fellow summer arrival | OneFootball

FC Barcelona summer signing Anthony Gordon has made an excellent start to life at the club.

Signed for €70 million plus add-ons from Newcastle United, the England forward has hit the ground running in Blaugrana colours, racking up four assists in his first four La Liga games.

While Gordon’s adaptation at Barcelona has happened at rapid speed, the same cannot be said about his fellow summer arrival, Karim Adeyemi, reports SPORT.

Gordon adapting at rapid speed

As per the report, Gordon’s outgoing personality and strong command of Spanish have helped him settle into the dressing room remarkably quickly. In just a month and a half, he has won over his teammates, the coaching staff and the supporters.

Gordon is regularly seen chatting to Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo during training and before matches. He has also built relationships other teammates with Rodri and Pedri.

Gordon’s adaptation has been just as impressive on the pitch. He has arguably exceeded even the expectations Barcelona had for him.

Gordon has hit the ground running (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

His dynamic, energetic style, combined with his willingness to press and work relentlessly for the team, has made him a regular choice for Hansi Flick during the opening games of the season.

Adeyemi faces a different challenge

Adeyemi, by contrast, is taking a little longer to find his rhythm. The German is more reserved by nature and the language barrier is also noticeable in his day-to-day interactions. As a result, the coaching staff are taking a more gradual approach with him.

Sharing a language and cultural background with Flick and several members of the coaching staff is undoubtedly helping. It makes it easier to communicate Flick’s ideas and allows Adeyemi to adapt to his new surroundings.

His sporting situation also plays a role. Adeyemi is most comfortable on the right wing, but he faces strong competition for that position with Lamine Yamal. That could make it difficult for him to secure regular minutes, much as Roony Bardghji found last season.

However, Adeyemi, who scored in the opener vs Elche, has already shown that he can contribute from the opposite flank. He was given an important role on the left against Rayo Vallecano and he performed well.

One step at a time for Adeyemi. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

A natural adaptation process

Adeyemi has spent his career in Austria with RB Salzburg and in Germany with Borussia Dortmund.

Barcelona represent his first move away from the German-speaking environment in which he has spent almost his entire professional career. It is therefore natural that his adjustment is taking time.

He is gradually becoming accustomed to both the club and his new home, progressing at a slower but steady pace.

A positive atmosphere within the squad should help him relax, build stronger relationships and eventually feel completely at home.

Gordon may have arrived at full speed, but Adeyemi’s slower adaptation is no cause for concern. His integration is progressing, just on his own terms.