20-year-old Barcelona starlet following in the footsteps of former captain at international level

The eruption of young talents from Barcelona has directly contributed to Spain’s success in recent years. Such has been the impact of the club’s young stars that they have become regulars for the Spanish National Team at a young age.

Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Balde all made their senior international debut as teens. One player from their generation who would appear to have missed out is the young Fermin Lopez.

Lopez draws similarities to Busquets

Lopez, who is just 20 years of age, was rewarded with his first call-up to the Spanish U21 team today for the games against Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

While it would appear odd for him to debut for La Rojita while his compatriots play for the senior team, there is little reason to feel dejected.

As relayed by SPORT, Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets made his debut for the U21 setup as a 20-year-old. As opposed to popular assumption, it was not too late.

The former Barça captain star stayed at the subsidiary level for just three games before being called up to the senior team. The rest, as they say, is history as Busquets went on to make over 140 appearances for Spain, winning the World Cup and Euro 2012 before retiring last year.

Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez finds himself in a situation not very dissimilar. 

His talent may have been identified late, but he has proven to have a fighter spirit much like Busquets. He fought his way through a loan spell at Linares to prove his worth and win a place under Xavi Hernandez and could follow a similar path to enter Luis de La Fuente’s plans.

Xavi is impressed by the youngster

Xavi Hernandez spoke highly of the La Masia starlet after Barcelona’s win over Sevilla and made his admiration of the youngster known publicly.

“Fermin is a great player. He dominates both legs, he doesn’t lose balls. He has 1v1 dribbling, and he can shoot from outside the box. He has many conditions to be a Barça player for many years,” he said about Lopez.

The youngster had after all provided a critical assist in the team’s draw to Mallorca and even showed his class on the night against Sevilla.

With his midfield options compromised for the weekend’s clash, Xavi could well turn to the 20-year-old to start against Granada.

After the clash at Los Carmenes, Lopez will make his way to the Spanish U21 camp where he will look to once again dominate the headlines.