Many of the stars at Barcelona are key players for their National teams as well. These stars belong to an elite class of players that are crucial for both club and country.
The dream of one day representing their respective nations remains alive for many players, especially those at a club like FC Barcelona.
While certain players earn their stripes early, others have to wait for theirs. One particular Barcelona star that knows all about waiting is young Fermin Lopez.
20 years old already, he only recently received his first ever international call-up. Playing for the Under-21 Spanish side, the player took his opportunity with both hands.
Fermin’s rise for Barcelona
Naturally, the next step forward is the senior men’s National team for Spain. However, while his performances certainly warrant him a chance, it seems that there is no certainty as of yet.
In a recent interview, as highlighted by SPORT, Spanish National team coach Luis de la Fuente even commented on Fermin.
Asked to comment on the youngster’s rapid progression from the youth levels to the Barcelona first team, the coach had the following to say:
“Well, that’s how football is, but surely Fermín’s journey has helped him mature, to see the tougher side of football.”
He went on to further elaborate, however, that there is more to football than meets the eye:
“There’s a song by the great Julio Iglesias that talks about the details, and that applies to all professions. To succeed, you need to be good… and a thousand more details. And for me, the most important are those thousand more details.”
Praise for the Barcelona starlet
The Spanish coach did go on to compliment the Barcelona prodigy afterwards, stating:
“Fermín, who is at a fantastic level and is a very good guy, must have held onto that passion for being a footballer, and he’s a very interesting player.”
Competition for places in the National team
However, when it came to commenting on the chances of him being given a senior call-up, de la Fuente had a unique answer:
“You have to see at what point they are caught. Sometimes, football unintentionally puts you in a certain place. I’m sure, unfortunately, that before the Euros, there will be injuries, and therefore, there will be players coming in and out.”
While it initially seemed that it could be a hint for a possible opening for the Barcelona star, the coach did clarify something:
“But, honestly, they will be few, because if there were many, it would be bad for the team. I’m sure some of these situations will occur. But let’s take it easy and be cautious. I’m not hesitant to give opportunities, but the players currently in the national team are very good and performing at a high level.”
Spain are expected to soon play their next set of European qualifiers in November. La Roja are scheduled to play Cyprus and Georgia as their upcoming opponents from their qualification group. Barcelona will likely have many stars traveling for those games, and Fermin Lopez will be hoping he is among them.
