The initial pre-season impression that FC Barcelona has managed to leave behind following their first game against Arsenal is certainly a mixed bag in totality.
The loss in itself is a rather hard one to take, especially given the 5-3 scoreline. Moreover, there is also a lack of rhythm to the team that many would argue makes them seem unfit and not at their best at this moment in time.
However, that is not to say that Barcelona came out of that game exhibiting no positives. One particular positive was the inclusion of youngsters Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez, with the latter in particular having been addressed with much praise by his seniors.
Despite his obvious talents, the 20-year-old midfielder certainly must be given a clear answer as to exactly where he plays next season, and according to Spanish outlet SPORT, there are three possible strategies that Barcelona higher-ups have in mind.
First and foremost, the Catalan club would hope to utilize the academy product as a temporary part of the first team and exist within Xavi’s side’s dynamics while being given regular minutes in Rafa Marquez’s Barcelona Atletic.
The second option, as per the report, is that the player remains definitively within the subsidiary dynamics and continues to grow there for another year in its entirety.
And lastly, the player may reportedly be sent out on loan, something that was also foreshadowed by his former coach at Linares, where he spent last season on loan. The coach, Alberto Gonzalez, stated:
“…If he does not stay in the dynamics of the first team, I have the feeling that his future would have to be directed towards a loan to some First or Second Division team…”
So in there lies the possibility of the 20-year-old midfielder being sent out on loan as soon as possible to avoid another incident similar to the one with Pablo Torre, which resulted in a promising youngster having almost a year wasted on the bench with barely any minutes.
Fermin Lopez possesses great potential, something that both his coaches and seniors at Barcelona commend and agree upon. Through what way to best utilize and nurture that talent is something FC Barcelona will have to decide for themselves, and as of right now, none of the three options on the table can be discarded.
