Fermin Lopez puts Dani Olmo under pressure after starring for Barcelona

Fermin Lopez strengthened his case for a regular starting place at Barcelona with an outstanding display against Valencia, scoring once and creating two goals as his exceptional start to the season continued.

The midfielder was named player of the match after influencing almost every dangerous attack Barcelona produced at Mestalla. He followed his goal with two assists, while also providing the final pass for a third effort by Lamine Yamal that was ruled out.

Fermin also struck the post after a series of impressive individual skills, underlining both his confidence and his attacking threat. His performance came after he had scored twice against Elche and found the net again against Athletic Club.

The 22-year-old has now started three matches this season, having been left on the bench for the meeting with Rayo Vallecano. According to Spanish newspaper AS, his current form means he is ahead of Dani Olmo in the contest to play as Barcelona’s attacking midfielder.

That represents a significant change in the expected pecking order and presents manager Hansi Flick with a difficult selection decision. On his current level, leaving Fermin out of the starting line-up would be extremely hard to justify, even though Olmo has also shown his quality by creating two goals in only 10 minutes.

The competition between the two players could prove highly beneficial for Barcelona, giving Flick two gifted options in the same position and ensuring both remain under pressure to maintain their standards.

Fermin’s impressive beginning to the campaign is particularly notable because it follows a difficult summer. He was left out of the World Cup after suffering an injury at the end of last season, shortly after Barcelona had secured the La Liga title.

“I went through a very difficult time, and I could not watch the first matches because of the pain I was feeling,” Fermin said.

The player worked hard throughout the summer in order to return in strong condition, and that effort has been reflected in the intensity and quality of his performances at the start of the new season.

His impact has extended beyond his energy, ability to break into dangerous areas and finishing. Fermin has also developed into an increasingly effective playmaker, with a clear improvement in the quality of his final pass.

He appears to have formed a particularly strong understanding with Yamal, with the pair showing obvious chemistry on the pitch. Their combination offers Barcelona another creative outlet and was evident throughout the match against Valencia.

For now, Fermin’s form has complicated Flick’s plans for a position in which Olmo was expected to be a leading candidate. Rather than being a problem for Barcelona, however, the emergence of both players gives the manager greater attacking depth as the season progresses.