Balde backs Adeyemi to make major Barcelona impact and reveals Eto’o and Alba idols

Alejandro Balde believes new signing Karim Adeyemi can be a genuine game-changer for Barcelona next season, with the left-back describing the forward as “very fast” and insisting he will be a major asset to the team.

The 22-year-old Spain international, currently following an individual training plan away from the main group during pre-season, spoke to Barca’s official YouTube channel in a wide-ranging question-and-answer session that has energised supporters eager to see the shape of the new-look side.

Balde said he had already struck up a strong relationship with Adeyemi despite the German’s short time at the club.

“It hasn’t been long since he joined us, but I’ve spoken to him a lot during this short period,” Balde explained. “I think we’ve built a good relationship, he seems like a calm person, he will help us a lot during the season, and I’m sure he will. He is very fast, I’ve known about him for a while, and I’ve always liked his speed.”

Personal ambitions and team targets

The La Masia graduate also set out his own objectives for the coming campaign, stressing both his desire for development and his determination to see Barcelona add more silverware.

“On an individual level, I want to keep improving and learning,” he said. “I’m a young player and I have a lot of room to get better.

“These are my main goals. As for the team, I want us to continue on the path we’re on, and even improve it. If we win more trophies, that will be much better.”

Balde’s comments come as Barcelona supporters await further clues about how the squad will evolve ahead of the new season, with Adeyemi’s arrival viewed as a key move in reshaping the attack.

Dressing-room dynamics

The defender offered an insight into the atmosphere inside the Barcelona dressing room, highlighting the role of Brazil winger Raphinha with the club’s younger players.

He praised Raphinha’s ability to look after the emerging talents in the squad, before naming the team-mates he is closest to on a personal level.

“My closest friends in the dressing room are Casado, Lamine, Hector, Gavi, Rony and Araujo,” he said. “I don’t want to forget anyone.”

Those relationships, Balde suggested, are an important part of the environment Barcelona are trying to build as they chase success domestically and in Europe.

Favourite Clasico and best Barcelona goal

When asked to choose the standout match of his career so far, Balde immediately turned to one of the most dramatic Clasicos of recent years.

“The Clasico with Xavi, when Kessie scored,” he recalled, referring to former coach Xavi Hernandez and midfielder Franck Kessie. “We won in the last minute, and I was able to provide the assist for Kessie.”

He also picked out his favourite goal in a Barcelona shirt, selecting his strike in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid as the moment that stands above the rest for him.

Balde’s choice underlined the significance of Barcelona’s recent successes over their arch-rivals in shaping his early career highlights.

Eto’o and Alba the role models

The academy product rounded off the interview with a revealing admission about the figures who inspired him growing up.

“My idol in childhood was always Samuel Eto’o,” he said, referencing the former Cameroon striker who became a club legend at Barcelona.

He then drew a distinction between his early hero worship and the player he now looks up to in his own position.

“As a left-back, my idol is Jordi Alba, who I consider the best left-back in Barcelona’s history.”

Balde’s blend of admiration for past greats and confidence in current team-mates, combined with his focus on personal growth, has offered Barcelona fans a glimpse of both the mindset inside the dressing room and the expectations surrounding Adeyemi as the club prepares for the new campaign.