Barcelona youngster’s father backs son to do well against Real Madrid after UCL heroics

Fermin Lopez was the star of the show last night as Barcelona secured a 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League.

The 20-year-old La Masia graduate was the best player on the pitch, scoring a goal and playing a huge role in Ferran Torres’ opening strike.

Shakhtar found it hard to tie down Fermin on the night, with the youngster making the most of the chance that arose from the absence of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi (suspension).

Fermin Lopez’s father elated by performance

Speaking after the game, Fermin Lopez’s father spoke of the youngster’s performance on the night with great pride, hailing his son’s growth in the first team this season.

“He’s got character, he’s a guy with desire and grit, as they say out there. Things are working out, he’s becoming more and more confident and I see him doing very well,” Fermin Sr. said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“It’s all new for him, making his debut and scoring in the Champions League, and also MVP of the match! I’m very proud of him.”

Fermin’s father also touched upon the youngster’s loan stint at Linares last season, highlighting how it prepared the midfielder for this season.

“It was a bit hard, in 1st RFEF there are very good players who come from higher categories and the competition is very strong. But he adapted perfectly, he put a lot of self-belief into it and it was incredible for everyone. We are very grateful to Linares,” he stated.

Always ready for the big stages

With Barcelona set to face arch-rivals Real Madrid next in La Liga, Fermin Sr. backed his son to do well against the Merengues, claiming that the 20-year-old is always itching to perform on the biggest stages.

“He already scored against them in pre-season, the rival is an extra motivation. When he played against Sevilla at Betis he was already going crazy, for him it’s something very big,” he said.

Talking about Fermin’s style and mentality, his father added: “He has the goal between his eyebrows and a lot of self-esteem, he is very competitive, and off the pitch he is a star too.”

Praise for La Masia

Fermin Lopez’s father admitted that even though he is a Real Betis supporter, the youngster has always been a Cule, and praised how youngsters coming through La Masia are treated and looked after at Barcelona.

“I’ve been watching Barça youth team matches for 7 years now, both his and his teammates. That’s why I know that there are very good youngsters, even if in the end they don’t all have the same opportunities,” he said.

Further adding on the topic, he stated: “Marc Casadó, Marc Guiu, all those who come…. There is enormous potential. I’m sure there are also some very good lads in other youth teams, but La Masia is special.

“Xavi is a home-grown player and they count on them a lot, they have a place here and in other teams they’re not given the chance to succeed.”

Fermin Sr. also touched upon the strong bond that his son shares with another Barcelona wonderkid, Gavi, saying: “They have coincided every year except the year of Linares, and that’s lucky.”