Although he may not shine as brightly as some of the bigger stars in this FC Barcelona team, midfielder Fermin Lopez continues to prove just how vital he is to La Blaugrana. His latest performance against Olympiacos was another clear example, as he scored a hat-trick in a 6–1 victory, underlining both his consistency and attacking instinct.
What sets Fermin apart is his tireless movement and his ability to arrive in the box at just the right moment to finish chances. This quality has often drawn comparisons with former Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez, who at 38 years old remains an important player for Lazio.
In fact, Pedro himself once praised Fermin, noting that players who are always on the move often find themselves in scoring positions and end up making the difference.
While their natural positions differ, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, the two share strikingly similar traits. Both possess sharp timing, a strong sense of anticipation, and an unrelenting work rate that allows them to thrive even in squads filled with world-class talent. Just as Pedro broke through under Pep Guardiola, Fermin has earned his place first under Xavi and now under Hansi Flick.
Fermin is closing in on 100 appearances for Barcelona. Across his 95 matches so far, he has scored 24 goals and provided 9 assists, an impressive return for a midfielder. Pedro, by comparison, had 36 goals and 11 assists in his first 95 games for the club, which is understandable given his more advanced role as a winger or second striker.
When focusing only on their first 42 starts, the similarities become even clearer. Fermin has 18 goals and 7 assists in those matches, while Pedro recorded 19 goals and 4 assists after his first 42 starts. Their efficiency, sense of positioning, and instinct to contribute in decisive moments make the comparison even more fitting.
This season, Fermin stands out as Barcelona’s most efficient scorer. He currently averages 1.08 goals per 90 minutes, the best ratio in the team, and has already scored 5 times in 7 appearances. Despite being a midfielder, he leads the scoring charts and continues to play with the same energy and fearlessness that defined Pedro’s early years at the club.
Fermin also shares another connection with the former Tenerife forward. Like Pedro, he scored in his first appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu, and it remains to be seen whether he can repeat that feat on Sunday when Barcelona face Real Madrid.
The €60 million-rated midfielder may not seek the spotlight, but his influence on this Barcelona side is undeniable. Much like Pedro more than a decade ago, he is proving that intelligence, movement, and determination can make a player every bit as decisive as the most glamorous stars.