20-year-old Barcelona starlet seen as a ‘new signing’ by Xavi, could start against Real Madrid

Following a sensational performance in the midweek clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, Fermin Lopez is set to start for Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The 20-year-old La Masia graduate was the star of the show for Barcelona in their 2-1 win against Shakhtar in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week.

As such, he is now set to be rewarded with a start in the biggest game of the season as the Catalans get set to take on Real Madrid tomorrow at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Xavi sees him as a new signing

With Pedri getting injured just a few weeks into the new season, alarm bells were ringing at Barcelona, given how crucial the 20-year-old midfield sensation is for Xavi Hernandez.

However, the fear of not being able to count on a lame Pedri since the end of August has faded with the celebrated appearances of Fermin.

In just a little over 400 minutes of action across all competitions, the 20-year-old has scored two goals and registered one assist, coming up clutch in key moments in matches against Mallorca and Shakhtar, most notably.

With the frustration of not being able to sign Bernardo Silva (Man City) and Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham), Xavi believes he has found himself an unexpected ‘signing’ at zero cost in Fermin.

Starting role against Real Madrid

Fermin has a serious chance of starting against Real Madrid. With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong both unavailable and Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski likely to arrive without competitive pace, Xavi could come up with an eleven with four midfielders.

Oriol Romeu would start as the pivot, while Ilkay Gundogan and Fermin himself play as the interior midfielders and Gavi as a false winger.

Xavi likes the La Masia graduate’s personality, seen as similar to Gavi, in the sense that he offers a mixture of energy and dedication in equal parts.

The 20-year-old has also demonstrated great versatility, technical ability, and backs himself to shoot from distance, and is good with both feet, all of which appeal to the manager.