Fermin Lopez made his fiftieth look for FC Barcelona final evening towards Crvena Zvezda and marked it with a objective because the Catalans secured a thumping 5-2 win within the UEFA Champions League.
The 21-year-old, , turned the eleventh totally different participant to attain for the staff this season and did so whereas taking part in in an unfamiliar place on the left flank.
Fermin’s new function
In response to , Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick is absolutely conscious that he has a treasure at his palms within the type of Fermin Lopez.
The coach is aware of that the 21-year-old is a participant who not solely contributes with targets but in addition brings character and flexibility to the desk.
Flick put this versatility to the take a look at final evening when he introduced the La Masia graduate on towards Crvena Zvezda within the 68th minute.
Fermin got here on for Pedri while concurrently Dani Olmo changed Raphinha leaving Barça with 4 midfielders on the sphere (Marc Casado, Frenkie de Jong, Olmo and Fermin) for 3 positions.
The supervisor resolved this by positioning Fermin as a false left winger when many anticipated that Olmo would take the function.
Fermin seized the chance, scoring with a strike from contained in the field – a vital objective that not solely marked his first of the season however may also enhance his confidence after recovering from two muscle accidents.
Impression on Ansu Fati and Pau Victor
The scenario appears to recommend that Flick intends to reap the benefits of the crowded midfield to present his gamers extra minutes in superior positions.
On this regard, Fermin, Olmo, Pedri, Gavi, and Pablo Torre are essentially the most versatile items within the squad, whereas De Jong and Casado are extra snug in deeper, central roles.
Nevertheless, one of many speedy penalties of Fermin’s new function with Barcelona was that Ansu Fati, who may have performed as a left-winger, was left on the bench in Belgrade.
Summer time signing Pau Victor, another choice for the attacking positions, solely noticed 12 minutes of motion.
If Flick continues with the tactic, the 2 younger attackers, who haven’t featured a lot this season, may see their minutes additional dwindle.
