Fermín López is going through one of the best moments of his professional career. The midfielder for Fútbol Club Barcelona has had a sensational start to the season under the guidance of Hansi Flick, with figures that place him among the team's most decisive players: 4 goals and 4 assists in the last 4 matches.
In the draw against Bruges (3-3) in the Champions League, the player from Huelva was once again the protagonist with two masterful assists that reflect his evolution and ability to make a difference from the second line. He had already done so against Elche, where he also provided two goal passes, thus completing two consecutive assist bracesThe evolution of the Andalusian player is, without a doubt, one of the big stories of the season for the Barça club. In a season marked by injuries and the inconsistency of some key players, Fermín López has earned his place in Flick's starting XI on his own merits.
Fermín provides two luxury assists against Bruges
Fermín López's first assist came in the 1-1. Lamine Yamal threaded a perfect ball into space and the Andalusian, very sharp in his finishing, sent a measured cross to the far post for Ferran Torres to push the ball into the back of the net. An action of pure precision and game reading.
The second assist, even more spectacular, came in the play that made it 2-2. Lamine penetrated the box and executed a one-two with Fermín, who returned the ball with a subtle and brilliant heel flick that left the Barça number 10 alone in front of the goalkeeper. Lamine finished with class using the outside of his left foot to score a true stunner. Two actions that confirm the enormous connection between these two talents forged in La Masia.
An improving performance: 6 goals and 4 assists on the season
With his two new assists, Fermín López raises his personal record to 6 goals and 4 assists in all competitions —3 goals and 2 assists in LaLiga and another 3 goals and 2 assists in the Champions League—. Numbers that place him as one of the most productive players on the team alongside Ferran, Rashford, and Lamine Yamal
His impact has been constant in the most demanding scenarios: he scored in the Clásico at the Bernabéu, netted a brace against Valencia, and a hat-trick against Olympiacos. Now, with his two assists in Belgium, he reaffirms his growth and solidifies himself as one of Flick's most valuable pieces in midfield.
With his brace of assists against Club Brugge, Fermín López now has 6 goals and 7 assists in 22 Champions League matches. Furthermore, it's worth remembering that, with his goals against Olympiacos, the 22-year-old midfielder is the first Spanish footballer to score two goals in the first half of a Champions League match in the last 32 years.
Regarding hat-tricks in a Barça shirt in Europe, the last Spaniard to achieve this feat was **Luis Enrique**. The Asturian did it in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup, against AEK Athens. And in the European Cup, the last Spaniard to achieve this feat was **Pichi Alonso** 38 years ago, in the 86/87 season against Göteborg (a 3-0 thrashing).
Fermín self-criticizes after Barça's draw in Bruges
Despite his excellent individual performance, Fermín did not want to hide behind the numbers after the 3-3 draw at the Jan Breydelstadion. In the mixed zone, he was blunt: "Bad feeling. The draw was useless, we came here to win". The midfielder frankly analyzed the team's performance:
“Defensively, we haven't all been good. We've conceded three goals and the draw leaves us with a bad feeling”
Fermín, who is an offensive player, does not shy away from his defensive responsibilities: "The whole team failed. We weren't up to par defensively. We have to correct things and think about the next game." With this, he showed the maturity that characterizes players who want to take a step forward in the Barça locker room.
Hansi Flick particularly values the attitude and versatility of Fermín López. His ability to arrive from the second line, combine intelligently, and create danger in the opponent's area have made him a fundamental piece in Barça's offensive machinery. His chemistry with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres is one of the keys to the current Blaugrana system.