Fermin Lopez, Barcelona player
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Fermin Lopez was extensively linked with a departure from Barcelona in the summer, especially as it was thought that he would face stiff competition from Dani Olmo and see his minutes rightly regulated.
That, however, could not be further away from the truth, as the player has now become Barcelona’s most important player in the attacking midfield and a de facto starter ahead of Olmo.
His decision to stay at the club, needless to say, has borne fruit.
So far this season, the youngster has made three starts in the UEFA Champions League and four starts in La Liga.
Given that these numbers are despite him missing over a month through injury, he has indeed become a vital pillar in Flick’s plans.
While Barcelona have been largely unimpressive in recent weeks, especially with multiple starters being ruled out through injuries, Fermin has stepped up and delivered and been one of the team’s silver linings.
Fermin Lopez, Barcelona player
Fermin Lopez has been in sensational form. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
He made his return from injury in Barcelona’s clash against Girona, where he came on as a substitute.
Since that point, he has started all four of the team’s games and has four goals and four assists to show, averaging a goal and an assist per game.
His wonderful spell began in the UEFA Champions League clash against Olympiacos, where he scored a stunning hat-trick to lead the side to a win.
Fermin then scored the team’s only goal against Real Madrid in El Clasico and racked up a brace of assists against Elche.
Last night, he added two more assists to his kitty in the team’s draw against Club Brugge and now has six goals and four assists across all competitions this season.
As the campaign moves into more decisive phases, it is clear that the Spaniard’s ability in front of goal, ridiculous ball-striking potential and energy will only further elevate his importance.
Xavi Espart of FC barcelona
Xavi Espart of FC barcelona
Ansu Fati of AS Monaco and FC Barcelona
Ansu Fati of AS Monaco and FC Barcelona