Jesse Bisiwu was one of the signings that FC Barcelona made during the summer with an eye on the future.
The 18-year-old winger arrived this summer from Club Brugge without having made his senior debut for the Belgian outfit, with the Blaugrana paying €8.5 million plus add-ons.
Bisiwu signed a long-term contract with the Catalan club until 30 June 2031 and impressed in the pre-season, although his official debut has yet to arrive.
Currently away with the Belgium U-21 national team, the teenager spoke about his first few weeks as a Barça player in an interview with RTL Sports.
Asked which player had impressed him most since his arrival, Bisiwu did not hesitate in choosing Barcelona captain Raphinha.
"The player who has impressed me most is Raphinha, the way he plays and the way he trains, always giving 100%. It's crazy and I'm impressed with Raphinha. He's a role model for me,"he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo .
Raphinha has made a big impression on Bisiwu (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Bisiwu was also asked to name the most technically gifted player in the dressing room. His answer produced two names: "I'd say Pedri or Lamine."
Beyond his footballing role models, Bisiwu spoke positively about his adaptation to the club.
"Very well, they've welcomed me very well. I've been able to speak with the captain and the coach and I've felt very comfortable,"he explained when asked about his first impressions.
The youngster also acknowledged the impact his move has had on his professional life, saying:
"Yes, I feel a change in status because arriving at Barça, signing for Barça, isn't a minor thing and I've been able to feel that impact."
Bisiwu also has Ghanaian heritage and holds dual nationality, but for now his focus remains on Belgium .
Bisiwu is currently away with Belgium U-21. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
"I'm focused on the U-21s at the moment,"he replied when asked about his international future.
He was also asked about Marc van Bommel, Belgium's senior head coach and a former Barça player, to which he replied: "He told me to be ready, that he sees me as ready, but we'll see in the future."
With Belgium U-21, Bisiwu is embarking on a new chapter while continuing his adaptation to life at Barça.
As mentioned earlier, he has yet to make his official debut for the senior team and is currently combining first-team training with appearances for Barça Atletic, having started the last two matches against Logrones B and Barbastro.
