Karim Adeyemi Shines on Full Barcelona Debut

Karim Adeyemi wasted no time announcing himself at Barcelona.

Handed his first start by Hansi Flick against Elche, the German winger marked his full debut with a goal, slotting straight into a rebuilt attack that already looks dangerously sharp.

Raphinha, wearing the armband as Barça’s new captain, set the tone. He struck first to give the La Liga champions the lead, then turned provider just before the break, sliding the ball across for Adeyemi to finish and cap a slick move.

The understanding on display was striking for such an early stage. Adeyemi dovetailed with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha across the front line, interchanging positions and combining at pace, a clear sign that Flick’s reshaped forward unit is beginning to click after a turbulent summer of arrivals and departures.

For a coach trying to put his own stamp on a title-winning side, seeing his new signing score on his first start, fed by his new captain and involving his teenage prodigy, is exactly the kind of evidence he wanted that this attack can evolve without losing its edge.