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, who just lately signed a brand new contract with Barça till 2029, grew to become the eleventh completely different participant to attain for the group this season and did so whereas enjoying in an unfamiliar place on the left flank.
Fermin’s new position
Based on SPORT, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick is absolutely conscious that he has a treasure at his arms 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 additionally 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 sector (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 position.
Fermin performed on the left flank vs Crvena Zvezda. (Picture by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Photographs)
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 will even enhance his confidence after recovering from two muscle accidents.
Impression on Ansu Fati and Pau Victor
The state of affairs 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 comfy in deeper, central roles.
Nevertheless, one of many rapid penalties of Fermin’s new position with Barcelona was that Ansu Fati, who might have performed as a left-winger, was left on the bench in Belgrade.
Summer time signing Pau Victor, an alternative 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, might see their minutes additional dwindle.