FC Barcelona is having a fairly complicated season. Under the leadership of a destabilized Xavi who will leave at the end of this vintage, the Blaugranas showed several shortcomings which prevented them from existing sustainably in La Liga and the Champions League. Despite the crises and torments that the Catalan club is going through, the latter can always rely on the Masia and the wonders that result from it. And while the outbreaks of Pau CubarsĂ and Lamine Yamal brought balm to the tormented hearts of certain culĂ©s, FermĂn LĂłpez also laid his stone in the building. Coming out of nowhere with a goal in a Clasico during the summer preparation, the versatile midfielder was able to find a place in the Barcelona group.
Benefiting from Xavi’s blind trust in him, the young 21-year-old player was able to return it to his elder. And throughout the season, the Barcelona number 16 has always responded. Restricted to the status of substitute making differences for many months, Lopez fulfilled his role perfectly. But while his coach resigned at the end of the season, the player benefited from the latter’s tactical experiments to gain playing time in the starting lineup. And this is how Fermin Lopez took on a whole new dimension at the end of the season.
Selected in Spain’s expanded list for the Euro
Aligned quite high on the pitch at the end of the season, Fermin even played on the left wing of the attack. And this allowed him to have a performance and a balance sheet worthy of the best wingers in the world. Scorer yesterday against Sevilla FC (2-1), the native of El Campillo remains on three goals in the last three league matches. Performances which allow him to achieve eleven goals this season in 43 matches. An impressive record which inevitably put a big spotlight on the versatile right-hander. Under contract until 2027 with Barça, Fermin Lopez risks being a driving force in future seasons for the Catalan team. However, he will have to convince Hansi Flick, who will, barring any major surprises, be the new coach of the Camp Nou residents.
A stage that FermĂn LĂłpez will have to go through to grow in his young career. Until now pampered by Xavi, the midfielder knows that he owes a lot to the man he considers a mentor: “I would like to thank Xavi for the opportunity and the trust he gave me by bringing me into the first team. Xavi made my dream come true. My family and I will always be grateful to him. The work pays, but it was impossible to imagine that things would go so well in the first year.» A mentor who allowed him to put himself in sight to be selected for the Euro with Spain. Selected this Monday from Luis de la Fuente’s extended list, Fermin Lopez has arguments to remain on the final list. And in Germany as for the rest of his international epic, the person concerned will have to draw inspiration from his history with FC Barcelona by passing in front of everyone through self-sacrifice and great performances on the field. He is capable of it and he has already proven it.
