What Can Karim Adeyemi Bring to Barcelona?

Barcelona have signed a 24-year-old attacker for a very reasonable fee. Adeyemi can play anywhere across the front line and has clearly defined strengths and weaknesses. His arrival also gives Hansi Flick much-needed depth in attack.

Data kindly provided by Twelve Earpiece!

Source: Barcelona

Let’s look at what he can bring to the team, where he still needs to improve, and which position and role might suit him best during pre-season.

Adeyemi’s biggest strengths are his pace and the quality of his movement. He attacks space behind the defensive line very well and can carry the ball forward at high speed. That should suit Barcelona, who often look to enter the box through carries rather than crosses. He is also a genuine goal threat thanks to his movement inside the box and his finishing.

The question is how well he will adapt to Barcelona’s possession game. Compared with their other wingers, he is less involved in the build-up and his passing quality is below their level. He will need to make quicker and more accurate decisions in tight spaces. His pressing numbers are solid, but there is still room for improvement if he is to meet Flick’s demands consistently.

Adeyemi gives Barcelona a different type of attacker. He is not someone who will control the game, but he can stretch defences, attack space and add a more direct threat. Alongside Barcelona’s creative players, that could make him a very useful option.