Jesse Bisiwu talks Barcelona move, Lamine, Raphinha, De Jong, Kounde, adaptation

Jesse Bisiwu talks Barcelona move, Lamine, Raphinha, De Jong, Kounde, adaptation Jesse Bisiwu completed his transfer from Club Brugge to Barcelona at the end of July this year, and is much hyped as a youth signing who has sky-high potential. The youngster made Hansi Flick’s pre-season list last month and travelled with Barcelona for the first-team’s friendly clashes. In that, he scored two goals in ten minutes on the field against Basel. Most recently, he played in an official game for Barça Atletic and scored the opener for the team against Reus FC. While he is currently with the B team, there is reason to believe he will have regular minutes with the first team this season. Bisiwu’s interview The new Barcelona signing spoke to the media in a recent interview where he opened up in detail about his transfer and life in Catalonia. He first began by explaining how much it meant to him to play for Barcelona. “[I am at] the biggest club in the world,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo . Bisiwu is already impressing. (Picture credit: x/@FCBarcelona) He then spoke out on how several first-team players have taken a personal interest in helping him settle down at the club. “[They] have taken very good care of me. The Bob Marley song that I sang during my presentation was also well received.” “It is mainly players like Frenkie [De Jong] and Jules [Koundé] who guide me a little,” he added. He then elaborated on how his residence was also strategic to help him fit in better. “I live in a town on the outskirts of Barcelona where many players live. [It is] very practical, because they can guide me a little.” “I’m going to take Spanish classes at the club. English is spoken, of course, but many things are developed in Spanish. And I think it’s important to be able to communicate with ease with everyone,” he added. Bisiwu was then asked about how his social media following has skyrocketed in recent weeks, and he praised the club for the massive institution that it is. “My phone has been smoking these last few weeks. From time to time I have had to put it aside. You can tell in all aspects that this club is huge.” “From the number of people who follow him to the level of the players. With all due respect, the level here is much higher than that of Club Brugge,” he added. On training The player was then asked about his attitude on the field and in training, which is often described as ‘natural and unforced’. “That’s how I am. Sometimes they say I seem carefree, but I’m just a quiet guy. And I always try to give it my all and convey confidence.” Barcelona have high hopes on the winger. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website) He then lauded Barcelona for the high intensity in training and revealed which player impressed him the most in training. “The intensity here is very high and all the players are first-class.” “Who has impressed me the most? Raphinha, without a doubt. I find it incredible the way he is used one hundred per cent in each training,” he added. The winger also praised Lamine Yamal as a special talent and a role model for him. “Lamine is obviously a fantastic player. Because of his qualities and his style of play, I really want to play alongside him.” Bisiwu was then asked how he plans to adapt to the pressure at Barcelona at such a young age, to which he said, “I know that in a club like Barcelona, there is always pressure, but I try not to set specific goals.” Finally, he was asked about his decision on his international allegiance, especially given that both Belgium and Ghana are looking to tie him down. “I play in the lower categories of Belgium, but obviously I also have a link with Ghana. I think it’s not a decision I can make overnight; it’s something I should meditate on with my family and my representatives.” “The coach congratulated me on my signing and encouraged me by telling me that he follows my evolution very closely. Now it’s my turn to prove my worth,” he added on how Mark van Bommel, the Belgium NT coach, stayed in touch with him.