Balde: 'I see myself at FC Barcelona for many more years'

Barça have hit some fine form of late and one of the reasons is the spectacular rise of Alejandro Balde, one of the most promising full backs in European football.

In an interview with Sport newspaper published on Tuesday, there were a number of quotes that are well worth repeating here.

Adaptation

“I feel much more comfortable this year than last, because being one week with the first team and one week with Barça Atlètic was confusing. I wasn't sure what my place was and I never properly adapted to one team or the other. Now I feel like a full member of the squad."

"My role model is Jordi Alba. I've always watched what he does because he plays in my position. I get on especially well with Pablo Torre, Ansu, Gavi, Pedri, Raphinha, Kessie... with nearly everyone.”

Defensive duties

“When I was in the 7-a-side youth teams I was a forward and defender. Then in 11-a-side I was put on the wing and I didn't really want to go back into defence. I didn't like it. But they persuaded me in the end because I'm the kind of player who has more of a future playing there. I can go on long runs and I feel comfortable with that."

"I like attacking more than defending, and I'll admit that I have never made a priority of defensive duties. But with Barça Atlètic and later the first team they kept telling me that I'd get better, and little by little I am.”

Future

“My debut was a dream come true. I was just 17 and it all happened so quickly. I was very young, I still am, but it all happened so fast."

"Barça have watched me grow from seven years of age and I think that sets a good example for young players. It is important for them to see that players can get to the first team, and that the club trusts its youth system. Seeing players like me, Ansu and Gavi must be motivating for them.”

"My agent was here talking to Laporta the other day. I have every confidence in him and hope things get sorted out. I am a Barça man and I love being here. My debut was a dream come true and I expect to stay here for many years.”

Ambition

“United is going to be a huge game. We have to go out there and win it. The young players need to get things right but a lot rests on the veterans like Busquets and Jordi Alba, who will be keeping us calm and making sure we remain properly focused.”

"I have only won one trophy at Barça, and the young players are thinking what it must be like to win the Champions League or La Liga. But it's very difficult and we need to keep working. This team has the potential to win things but I won't settle for anything less than winning everything."

"What happened in the Champions League was a blow but there were a lot of new players that hadn't adapted yet. Now things have settled you can see that we're winning games and getting results. We are still in the Europa League, which is a big competition and we'll try to win it."