Oriol Romeu hails Barcelona starlet: “He has surprised us all”

Oriol Romeu has had a sparkling start to the season and has pleasantly surprised everyone at Barcelona with how well he seems to be slotting into the side.

Signed as a free agent in a bid to continue last season’s domestic success and make more waves in Europe, Romeu has added a lot of defensive stability and some wonderful passing range to the team in these early stages.

In conversation with the RAC1 program ‘Tu Diras’ (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the midfielder touched upon his impressions of the time he has had at the club so far and spoke about the talent in the team and what he is most excited for.

Of course, he tipped his hat to Lamine Yamal, as the young sensation has shown quality and confidence leaps and bounds beyond his years and has clearly settled in as a key member of the first team at just 16.

“Lamine has surprised us all. Anyone who says no has not seen him play. He does incredible things for his age and at only 16, he already seems like a spectacular player to me.

“Hopefully we can help him so he continues to give us everything he is already giving us because he is already very promising and has a bright future.”

On his return to Barcelona

Romeu then spoke about his stint at Girona, which he says was a key period of his career and in retrospect, crucial in earning him a move to Barcelona.

“At Girona we had a style of play similar to that of Barça. And that is why I got an an option to come here. Without the year in Girona, my chances of coming to Barcelona would have been very low.”

The Spaniard, who will turn 32 this month, also spoke about the chance to play in the Champions League again, having only appeared fleetingly in the competition during his time at Chelsea.

“I have realized that the teams that win the Champions League reach the key moments of the competition in peak form.

“Last year’s Barça played the key games with injured players, which did not help them compete.

“If you can get through the group stage and in February you have players who arrive at their best, I see this squad prepared to compete against anyone. It is true that we have not competed in Europe for years but this year is one of the objectives.”

Romeu also extended his full support for the femeni star Jenni Hermoso after she was sexually assaulted by Luis Rubiales in a case that cast a dark cloud over Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup.

 “The World Cup is admirable, unique and historic. It is so sad that these regrettable gestures continue to overshadow the milestone.

“I support Jenni and the women’s team. I hope everything is resolved in the best way and my position is to help her in everything she needs.”