Barcelona are getting closer to their fourth La Liga game of the campaign. They are the only team with a perfect record of three wins from three so far and sit alone at the top of the table in what has been a brilliant start to the Hansi Flick era.
This impressive start has been accentuated even more by the fact that both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, traditionally the two rivals for the league title have dropped points in two games out of three so far.
Should Barcelona beat Real Valladolid at home tomorrow, it would take them to 12 out of 12 which would mark a dream start for the club in difficult times. That’s exactly what Hansi Flick will be hoping for.
Ahead of the game against Valladolid, as highlighted by FC Barcelona on X, Hansi Flick was quizzed at the presser about Fermin Lopez’s role, and here is what he had to say: “I think Fermín is one of the players who can play as an ‘8’ or a ’10’ and you can see we have a lot of quality in this position and we are also happy with Fermín.”
Flick then went on to explain why the impressive Spanish midfielder is not a starter currently and gave his honest verdict about him. Here is what the coach had to say on the same:
“He arrived a bit later than the others, which is why he didn’t start in the first few matches. But the season is long, and when he got his chance, he showed us what he could do really well and this is what we need, so yes, he has to accept the situation. I can’t say for sure why he’s not starting because he’s always an option. He has the quality to be in the starting XI.”
Flick has made it clear that Fermin would have to accept the situation for the time being but has opened the door for him by saying that he has the quality to be a part of the starting XI in the season going forward.
The €30m-rated midfielder had a breakthrough campaign in Xavi Hernandez’s team last season. This earned him a call-up to the Euros with Spain which he won. Subsequently, he also participated in the Olympic games in Paris where he played a starring role in winning the Gold medal.
Hansi Flick’s system at Barcelona is better suited to Fermin’s game than Xavi’s and it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing it. Surely, the youngster will get his opportunities and it’s up to him to take it.
Fermin is a very unique midfielder to have in our squad. He has a natural eye for where the back of the net is. Let’s hope he can have a brilliant season with the club and further establish his credentials in the months to come.
