Not much fazes Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder likes to spend his spare time watching horror films – “they don’t scare me; nothing has ever scared me” – or even dancing on his own to Mbolé music from his native Cameroon. “Sometimes I need to move my body,” Baleba says with a smirk.Thanks to a strict training regime that he began at the age of 10 under the watchful eye of his father, Eugene, Baleba has developed into one of the Premier League’s most imposing figures. The 21-year-old is tipped to become the latest big-money transfer to leave Brighton afterMoisés Caicedo was sold to Chelseafor a British record £115m in the summer of 2023.Baleba arrived at Brighton a couple of weeks later, still a teenager and after less than 18 months in Europe, with Lille. He will never forget his first experience of facing Manchester City, when he was substituted on his second Brighton start during a 2-1 October defeat at the Etihad.“I felt nervous,” he says. “I saw the intensity of the Premier League, the fans. I said to myself: ‘I have arrived in the Premier League.’ It came as a shock. I saw the big players – the players I watched on TV in Cameroon – and now I was playing against them. When the game was finished, I took some time to myself. I told myself I had played against these players I had seen on the TV. I didn’t play well. When I took the ball I checked the players behind me and the game was going so fast for me. After, I worked. I never gave up.”View image in fullscreen‘I saw the big players I watched on TV in Cameroon and now I was playing against them.’ Carlos Baleba in typical combative mode during the recent draw against Manchester City.Photograph: Adam Vaughan/ShutterstockAfter a draw against Crystal Palace two months later Roberto De Zerbi’s assessment was that Baleba was “perhaps not ready to play in the Premier League yet but he will be a great Premier League player”. Brighton’s head coach used Baleba sparingly at times.“The last gaffer, he helped me,” Baleba says. “It’s why sometimes he didn’t put me on the pitch, to give me some time for my adaptation. When I got ready to play, he gave me the time.”Adapting to England has been a crucial part of Baleba’s progress at Brighton. What helps is what De Zerbi’s successor, Fabian Hürzeler, describes as Baleba’s “fun character”.“It’s natural,” Baleba says. “I’m very happy. If some people [are down], laugh with me and it might change. It’s the same in Brighton. Players like Danny [Welbeck], Simon [Adingra] and Georginio [Rutter] – it’s a good feeling for the team, for everyone.”View image in fullscreen‘I’m very happy. If some people [are down], laugh with me and it might change.’ Carlos Baleba and Georginio Rutter enjoy themselves after the 4-0 defeat of Southampton.Photograph: Mark Enfield/IPS/ShutterstockBut Baleba admits his mother’s death a few months before he left Lille made the transition to a new country much harder. “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton she was not here. That’s why the first season was really difficult for me. I thought a lot about my mum.”Baleba has fulfilled his promise to her to build a house in Douala and remembers how she would encourage his father – who played professionally as a striker in Cameroon and South Africa before coaching his son at the Cameroonian academy École de Football des Brasseries – to work him hard as a child.“She liked when my dad told me to train,” he says. “She was not like some mums in Africa who say: ‘No, it’s too hard for him, it is not the right age to be in the gym.’ She wanted me to work hard. When I was a kid, I said to her: ‘When I become a professional, I will build you a house, buy you a car.’ Everything was for her. I told her this when I was 13. I started [the house] when I was at Lille. Now it’s done.”As well as two hours of “non-stop” running every day, Baleba would sprint between truck tyres on a road near his home to work on his agility and honed his gymnastic skills at the local beach. He celebrates goals by performing a backflip. “It’s my dad. He said that if I learn how to do acrobatics then it will help my timing when I’m trying to read the ball or score a header. I would run up to a tyre and then jump on to it with either a front or back flip. It’s easy for me! I can do everything …”View image in fullscreenCarlos Baleba: ‘I want to be a big midfielder, to be a legend, across the world.’Photograph: James BoardmanThat confidence has been evident in Baleba’s performances this season as Brighton have mounted another challenge to qualify for Europe, although a run of five games without a win before Saturday’s match at Brentford could not have come at a worse time. Baleba is ranked as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League on various metrics including possession regains and progressive carries but, as Hürzeler has often said, there remains room for improvement despite reported interest from Liverpool and City among others.“I can’t believe how quickly it has all happened,” Baleba says. “I’ve already done some things that some kids will never do in their football career. I want to do more. I want to be a big midfielder, to be a legend, across the world. To arrive there, I have to work hard. It’s not easy but I will do any work for that. My motivation now is my mum. My mum, my dad, my little brother [Bediang, a striker, who had trials at Newcastle last year]. I play for them.”
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba: ‘My dad said if I learn acrobatics it will help my timing’
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba Reflects on Journey and Personal Challenges"
The Guardian
8.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Carlos Baleba, a 21-year-old midfielder for Brighton, has emerged as one of the Premier League's promising talents, largely due to his rigorous training from a young age. Under the guidance of his father, Eugene, Baleba began his football journey at just ten years old, which has contributed to his impressive physical presence on the field. Despite facing challenges, including a tough transition to the Premier League, Baleba's determination and adaptability have set him apart. His debut against Manchester City left a lasting impression, as he experienced the intensity of the league firsthand, realizing he was now competing against players he once admired on television. This initial nervousness transformed into a commitment to improve, leading to a strong work ethic that has garnered recognition from both coaches and fans alike.
Baleba's journey has not been without personal struggles, particularly the loss of his mother shortly before his move to Brighton. This loss intensified the challenges of acclimating to a new country and league. However, it has also fueled his ambition to honor her memory by achieving success in football. He has committed to building a house for her in Douala, fulfilling a promise made during his childhood. Baleba's unique training regimen, which includes acrobatics to enhance his timing and agility, showcases his dedication to the sport. With reported interest from top clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, Baleba is focused on continuous improvement, aiming to establish himself as a legendary midfielder. His motivation stems from his family, particularly his mother, and he recognizes the importance of hard work in reaching his aspirations in football.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the journey of Carlos Baleba, a young midfielder at Brighton, detailing his experiences and aspirations in the Premier League. It provides insight into his background, personal interests, and the challenges he faced as he transitioned to a high-stakes environment.
Personal Background and Interests
Baleba's character is portrayed as resilient and unflappable, with a penchant for horror films and dancing, which adds a humanizing touch to his persona. His upbringing under the guidance of his father, who emphasized acrobatics for improving athletic performance, illustrates a strong familial influence in his development as an athlete. This narrative aims to create a relatable and engaging image of Baleba for fans and readers.
Professional Development and Challenges
The article emphasizes Baleba's transition to the Premier League, capturing his initial nerves and the intensity of high-level football. His reflections on facing renowned players he once idolized convey a sense of determination and ambition. Such experiences are framed to inspire admiration for his work ethic and resilience, suggesting that he has the potential to rise to prominence in the league.
Coaching and Future Potential
Roberto De Zerbi's comments about Baleba potentially not being ready for the Premier League yet, while also noting his future potential, position the player as a work-in-progress. This creates an expectation for growth and improvement, hinting at the possibility of a significant future transfer, similar to Moisés Caicedo's record move. The article subtly manages readers’ expectations while building excitement around Baleba's career trajectory.
Public Perception and Community Support
The narrative likely aims to foster community support for Baleba, appealing to fans who enjoy underdog stories and the journey of a young player making his mark. This resonates particularly with younger audiences and those invested in the development of African players in European football. The human aspect of his story may also appeal to broader communities interested in sports narratives.
Potential Economic and Market Impact
The mention of Baleba as a future big-money transfer ties into broader market trends in football, where young talents are increasingly valued. This could have implications for investment in football clubs and player transfers, influencing stock prices for clubs within this financial ecosystem, particularly Brighton, which is becoming known for developing and selling high-potential players.
Global Context and Power Dynamics
While the article focuses on an individual player, it reflects broader themes in football regarding the globalization of talent and the shifting power dynamics in the sport. This is particularly relevant in today's context, where African players are gaining visibility and recognition in European leagues, contributing to discussions around diversity and representation in sports.
Use of AI in Article Composition
It is plausible that AI tools may have assisted in crafting this article, focusing on language and narrative style to highlight Baleba's story effectively. However, the human touch in personal anecdotes and emotional reflections suggests a careful balance between AI assistance and human storytelling. Overall, the article serves to elevate Baleba's profile, combining elements of personal interest with professional aspiration, while generating excitement in the football community about his future potential. The reliability of the information seems strong, as it reflects personal experiences and credible assessments from coaches, but the narrative is crafted to build a positive image of the player.