Initially, there was a lot of skepticism about FC Barcelona making it far in the Champions League. Given their recent history of failures in the competition, many believed this season would not be much different. However, through whatever means necessary, Barcelona are still alive in the competition.
Much of the gratitude for this successful run in Europe thus far has to go to Barça’s youngsters. While they have been exceptional all season whenever called upon, they were particularly in the spotlight against Napoli. Despite all the injury problems in the world, Xavi’s youngsters managed to shoulder their responsibilities wonderfully.
Just like the others, 20-year-old Fermin Lopez was exceptional in the game. In fact, after this game, Mundo Deportivo highlights a positive statistic that shows exactly how instrumental Lopez has been whenever he has played. Using data provided by WhoScored, the Barcelona midfielder joins an ‘illustrious’ list of four players who top a certain metric.
In terms of key passes per 90 minutes, Fermin Lopez joins the top four in the competition. His 3.4 key passes per 90 in the Champions League puts him in fourth place, behind Thomas Muller (3.5), Luka Modric (4.3), and Julian Alvarez (5.9). Once a want-away loan player whose future seemed uncertain, Lopez is now completely a settled Blaugrana.
Beyond just key passes, Lopez has also been lethal in terms of his final contributions. Against Napoli, his explosiveness and darting runs through the middle caused the Italians a lot of problems. Pau Cubarsi, on various occasions, noticed these runs and played some tricky through balls that allowed Barcelona to scare the side from Naples.
Eventually, after a well-placed pass from Raphinha met the boot of Lopez, the Spaniard’s goal came. In total, across his 31 appearances this season, Fermin Lopez has added 5 goals and 1 assist to his tally. Despite being a midfielder, he continues to be a lethal offensive asset as well as a tenacious workhorse who stops at nothing to do as Xavi instructs him.
