Podcast Summary: Ornstein Meets Adam Wharton – “I was born in Blackburn, not Barcelona”

Podcast: The Athletic FC Podcast
Episode: Ornstein meets Adam Wharton: “I was born in Blackburn not Barcelona”
Release Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: David Ornstein (interviewer), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace & England footballer)

Episode Overview

This episode features an insightful interview with Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, conducted by David Ornstein. The discussion delves into Wharton’s rise from Blackburn to the Premier League, his approach to fame, his ambitions for club and country, and the grounded perspective he maintains amid growing attention. The tone is candid, reflective, and refreshingly honest, offering a unique glimpse into the mindset of one of English football’s most promising young talents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Adam Wharton's Background

• Location: Interview conducted at Adam’s new London apartment, his first time living away from his family in Blackburn.
  (02:53) — David Ornstein describes Wharton as “incredibly down to earth, unassuming, relatively quiet and shy… very dedicated, but there’s no sort of exuberance, no flashiness.”
• Personality & Hobbies:
  • Obsessed with collecting Topps trading cards; even seeks out his own cards through trades online and in person.
  • Enjoys cycling around London, walking by the Thames, and is more likely to order Deliveroo than cook for himself.

2. England Ambitions and International Call-Ups

• Missing the Previous England Squad:
  • Wharton expresses modesty and realism about his omission from the last squad, not taking it personally.
  • (06:45) Adam Wharton: “Nothing, until you ask me. No, I’m not really thinking about it too much... I’m not expecting to be in the squad. I’m being completely honest.”
• Handling Disappointment:
  • Used the break to visit his grandmothers rather than dwell on missing international duty.
  • (08:48) Adam Wharton: “I went to see my grandma’s. It’s nothing special. Don’t get to see them often, but got to go back north... I wasn’t really complaining too much.”
• Perspective on England & the World Cup:
  • He remains pragmatic about his chances, recognizing the depth and talent in the England setup.
  • (10:01) “There’s another five, six months football before the World Cup… The only person who knows is the manager, and I think he’ll just pick the strongest team he feels possible.”

3. Footballing Inspirations & Style of Play

• Growing Up:
  • Wharton enjoyed international football but was equally inspired by Blackburn.
• Role Models:
  • (12:34) “Yeah, I always just loved Messi growing up and always wanted to be like him, wear his shoes… Didn’t quite work out.”
• Playing Style:
  • Noted for technical, passing-oriented play reminiscent of continental midfielders.
  • Teammates and media have compared him to Spanish and Italian midfielders, notably being called “the Wiltsher Pirlo” and “born in Blackburn, plays like he’s from Barcelona."
  • (37:12) “It’s great to receive them sort of compliments, but… I’m not born in Barcelona, I’m born in Blackburn.”

4. Approach to Goals, Assists, and His Role

• Statistical Impact vs. Team Role:
  • Wharton doesn’t focus on personal statistics like goals and assists, instead prioritizing the team’s needs and the functions his position demands.
  • (14:28) “I think system, yeah, that impacts it. Not really going to be making runs forward within the system that we play… City’s midfielders probably don’t need to look for goals because Haaland scored, their second top scorer is an own goal.”
• On Improvement:
  • Accepts he can improve on output, but values effective passing and facilitating play above all.

5. Handling Publicity, Rumors, and Fame

• Staying Grounded:
  • Despite rising attention, Wharton maintains a low-profile, often going unnoticed even when traveling in Palace gear.
  • (19:12) “I just put my head up, but I had like a full Crystal Palace tracksuit on so I just don’t think the people were too, too bothered. Maybe being a rush but better for me.”
• On Media and Transfer Speculation:
  • Maintains distance from rumors and social media gossip, even when linked to major clubs (Man United, Real Madrid).
  • (31:39) "I see it and I’m just like, okay. And then just carry on with my day… If I’m one in 20, then it’s nothing special."
  • (32:27) “In that sense, you must be doing something right for them sort of clubs to be interested… But until there’s something concrete and direct communication, then I wouldn’t really… stress about it.”

6. Crystal Palace's Progress & Management under Oliver Glasner

• Club Achievements:
  • Palace's unexpected successes instill authentic belief among the squad.
  • (22:19) “Nobody thought we’d win anything last year, but we did… even more confidence.”
• Praise for Manager Oliver Glasner:
  • Glasner’s detailed preparation, tactical clarity, and enthusiasm cited as key to progress.
  • (23:03) “For me, he’s a top manager… the way he sort of handles situations within games, within training, how he goes about the training sessions, recovery — everything, all the little details.”
• Speculation over Team and Manager Futures:
  • Both Glasner and teammate Marc Guéhi’s potential departures discussed as major potential blows.
  • (26:38) “Obviously you sort of seen the impact the manager’s had… it’d be difficult for the club to sort of replace him, but they've replaced managers before, so I’m sure they’d be able to do it again.”
  • Guéhi praised for his consistency and maturity, unaffected by a failed transfer on deadline day.

7. Personal Mindset: Self-Critique and Drive for Improvement

• Constant Perfectionism:
  • Wharton admits to rarely being satisfied with his performances, driven by high personal standards.
  • (35:58) “It’s difficult because I can say I’m pleased with some of my passes, but then I’m also not pleased with one overpass… I’d say I’m not pleased with pretty much all my games because none of it’s perfect. That’s the beauty of football.”
• Risk and Reward:
  • Willing to accept lower pass completion rates as a byproduct of seeking ambitious, game-changing passes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Missing England Call-Up:
  (08:48) Adam Wharton: “It’s football. He’s picked the team… we’ve got a very busy schedule this year with four competitions to play in, so, you know, not getting picked, it’s not the worst thing in the world. A few days off, bit of time to rest.”

• On Messi as a Role Model:
  (12:34) Adam Wharton: “I always just love Messi growing up and always wanted to be like him… Didn’t quite work out.”

• On Transfer Links:
  (31:39) Adam Wharton: “I see it and I’m just like, okay. And then just carry on with my day… United, the big teams are all linked to 10, 20 different players. So if I’m one in 20, then it’s nothing special.”

• On Compliments and Origin:
  (37:12) Adam Wharton: “It’s great to receive them sort of compliments, but I don’t know, I’ve just got really high standards for myself and, yeah, I don’t really want to settle for being good… I’m not born in Barcelona, I’m born in Blackburn.”

• On Pressure and Mentality:
  (38:03) David Ornstein: “I feel Adam Wharton has an old head on young shoulders. He was very composed, respectful, took everything in his stride… This is somebody that does not seem to be cowered by the big stage. He is fiercely ambitious.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:53 — Introduction to Adam’s personality, home life, and trading card obsession
• 06:45 — Adam’s thoughts on England call-up, missing out and his attitude
• 08:48 — Handling disappointment, prioritizing family and downtime
• 12:34 — Childhood inspirations: Messi and style of play
• 14:28 — Discussion on goals, assists, and the importance of role vs. statistics
• 19:12 — Experiences with fame and anonymity; travel stories
• 22:19 — Palace’s rise, belief in new possibilities, and the impact of winning
• 23:03 — Praise for manager Oliver Glasner’s methods and style
• 26:38 — Speculation around team and management futures, with a focus on Mark Guéhi
• 31:39 — Attitude towards transfer rumors and links to top European clubs
• 35:58 — Perfectionism and approach to self-assessment
• 37:12 — Responding to hype: “Born in Blackburn, not Barcelona”
• 38:03 — David Ornstein’s summary of Wharton’s mentality, ambition, and grounded personality

Final Thoughts

This episode further cements Adam Wharton’s reputation as a grounded, reflective, and ambitious young footballer unfazed by hype or speculation. Rooted in Blackburn but admired for a style that’s drawn continental comparison, he displays a rare blend of humility and confidence. Through David Ornstein’s probing but respectful questioning, listeners gain a genuine portrait of a player content to let his football — and not the swirling media circus — define his career trajectory.

For more football stories and interviews, follow The Athletic FC Podcast.