Fermin Lopez could become the unexpected hero for Barça.
A year ago, his future at the club seemed distant at best. But Xavi saw something special in a kid others deemed ordinary. And when the boss speaks, we listen.
This is what he saw & what makes Fermin special. 🔥
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Fermin's profile is unique and fairly complete, which makes him extremely valuable.
— technical quality
— excellent carrier
— dribbling
— ball-striking
— athleticism
— sense of positioning/movement/timing
— versatility of roles
— offensive instincts
Incredible package 💎
Looking at his statistical profile from his loan spell at Linares in 2022/23, we can see a glimpse of that complete player across the board.
His in-possession value is immense, especially in attack.
He is loud, temperamental, passionate & unyielding. But he's also technical excellence personified; a player with pausa & patience.
And in 23/24, Xavi has unleashed him.
Gavi 2.0 🔥
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Gavi is somewhat of a controversial figure in the world of football.
To some, the Golden Boy is just that; a tremendously talented LaMasia gem whose future in the sport is brighter than most. ⭐
To others, he is just passion, running and arrogance. 🔊
So, which one is it?
What many fail to understand, however, is that Gavi is both of those things; he is certainly confident, loud and brave, even arrogant to a certain extent.
But he is also supremely talented. Unbelievably so.
João Félix is a special player; a player of immense untapped potential.
And ever since Benfica, many have tried to unchain him & only got a shadow of what he could be.
But Barça are different. Barça are his dream club.
Can they turn the idea of Félix into reality? 🤔
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Here is a short overview of his profile:
— Versatile forward: LW, False 9, Second-striker
— Incredible technical level
— Creator/disruptor via dribbling, carrying & passing
— Goal threat via excellent ball-striking
— Outlet via press-resistance, carrying & distribution
— Roamer
Before we start, if you'd prefer to watch a full video on what Felix can bring to Barcelona and how Xavi can use him, we've published a big video analysis on our YouTube channel.
Check it out below and make sure to subscribe and share! 👇
Barça need a right-back this summer. No, Barça need a special right-back this summer.
And this kid? Well... He's special.
Between Arnau, Cancelo or even Foyth, he's the one Xavi can't allow to slip away.
I give you Iván Fresneda—the All Purpose Specialist. 💎
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But what is the Barcelona right-back anyway? 🤔
Somewhat unwillingly, Jules Koundé made the position his own, moulding it in the process.
The role, therefore, mirrors him as a player; inverting, often passive function which aids build-up, distributes & provides protection. 🛡
But the profile of the right-back also depends on the profile of the winger - a lot. It also depends on the opponent.
Against passive, deep-block teams, a more offensive profile is preferred while against more expansive and aggressive teams, a more defensive profile fits better.