According to Barca Universal, Karim Adeyemi has named Xavi Espart as the Barcelona academy player who has impressed him most since he joined the club.

The winger praised the young midfielder during a fan Q&A on Barcelona’s official YouTube channel on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid. Adeyemi also discussed his time at the club, his relationship with manager Hansi Flick and his adjustment to life in Catalonia.

Asked which La Masia prospect had stood out to him, Adeyemi replied: “Xavi Espart is really good. He impressed me.”

Espart has enjoyed a strong breakthrough season with Barcelona, and his recent performances have attracted attention despite the team’s 4–2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Adeyemi said Barcelona’s history and the great players who have represented the club made it an appealing destination. He also described the weather and the warmth of local people as factors that helped him settle in.

The forward credited Flick with playing a major part in his decision to join, saying the German encouraged him to experience Catalonia’s atmosphere and meet its people. Adeyemi described Flick as an influential figure who has a close connection with his players.

Reflecting on his best moment in a Barcelona shirt so far, Adeyemi singled out scoring his first home goal, against Feyenoord. He hopes to create another memorable moment in Sunday’s Clasico.

He also found it difficult to choose between Lamine Yamal and Raphinha when asked which teammate was hardest to defend against in training. His favourite former Barcelona players, meanwhile, were Andrés Iniesta, Neymar and Ronaldinho; Lionel Messi was not included. Adeyemi also praised Spotify Camp Nou, calling it beautiful and incredible.

To finish, Adeyemi backed himself to beat fellow summer signing Anthony Gordon in a sprint.