Fermin Lopez talks Lamine, Gordon, Raphinha, competition with Olmo, Ballon d’or, Champions League ambition

Fermin Lopez talks Lamine, Gordon, Raphinha, competition with Olmo, Ballon d’or, Champions League ambition Fermin Lopez has offered a revealing insight into Barcelona’s changing squad, his relationship with Lamine Yamal and the ambitions building inside Hansi Flick’s dressing room. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo , the midfielder also looked back on the difficult period when injury ruled him out of the World Cup and explained how his friendship with Yamal helped him through it. Fermin travelled to support Spain during the tournament despite being unable to play, making the experience particularly different for the Barcelona midfielder. Fermin on his connection with Lamine Yamal Fermin has developed a particularly strong understanding with Yamal at Barcelona, something the teenager recently highlighted himself.  Asked about being described as the teammate who understands Yamal’s game best, Fermin explained why their partnership works so well. “It makes me very happy that Lamine would say those words about me because he’s a very important player for us.  “He’s a friend and I try to make things easier for him, whilst also taking advantage of the fact that he draws in a lot of defenders, so I try to make the most of the spaces.  “I try to play him lots of passes so he feels comfortable, and I think we understand each other very well.” That relationship has also given Fermin a close-up view of Yamal’s Ballon d’Or credentials . The midfielder has little doubt about where his vote would go. Fermin has backed Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) “I certainly do, obviously. I watch him every day and he’s spectacular – he’s had an incredible year at Barça. “At the World Cup, he perhaps wasn’t able to show his best form because he was coming back from injury, but in the end he won the World Cup and I think he deserves it. “There are also loads of Spaniards who deserve it. Pedri isn’t even nominated, nor is Raphinha, for example. Pau has also had a great year, but I think if I had to pick just one, I’d go for Lamine.” Fermin was also asked about his experience watching Spain’s World Cup triumph from the stands after his injury prevented him from participating, to which he said, “Yes, I went because it was also important for me to be there to support the team. I enjoyed it in a different way, just like any other fan.” Barcelona’s new signings have raised expectations The midfielder believes Barcelona’s summer signings have addressed one of the weaknesses from last season: a lack of depth when rotation became necessary. “Yes, I think that was sort of what we were missing last year – perhaps we didn’t have enough cover.  “I think Deco has done a great job and the new signings are helping us a lot.” Fermin already knew Rodri, but Anthony Gordon has been the newcomer who surprised him most.  After facing Newcastle previously, he admits he had not paid enough attention to the winger before joining Barcelona. “I already knew Rodri, so he didn’t really surprise me that much, but I’d say Gordon. We’ve played against Newcastle in the Champions League a couple of times, I think, but I hadn’t really seen much of him. “I haven’t watched many matches and, to be honest, he really took me by surprise; I think he’s a player who’s going to be a great asset to us.” The increased competition has also affected Fermin’s own battle for minutes, with Flick rotating him alongside Dani Olmo . Rather than seeing that as a problem, the midfielder views it as part of life at Barcelona. “Dani and I know what Barça is all about – there’s competition. The manager knows that too; it’s very difficult for him.  “He has to pick a starting eleven every weekend, but Dani and I get on really well. He’s one of the players I get on best with in the team.  “So, between us, it’s ultimately a competition where the manager decides who plays, and we try to do our best for each other.” Fermin refuses to look beyond the Champions League Fermin Lopez understands the competition for places at Barcelona. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) Barcelona’s strong start has naturally raised questions about whether the Champions League can become the next major target.  Fermin is excited by the possibility but accepts that the team cannot afford to look too far ahead. “Yes, we can talk about it, but as Rodri says, we can’t get ahead of ourselves because we’re on a good run at the moment. There’ll be bad runs too.  “We have to take it one step at a time, and I think we’re growing more and more as a team. Hopefully we’ll reach the Champions League, put in a good performance and, fingers crossed, win it.” Fermin also praised Raphinha’s transformation into a number nine, particularly after Barcelona lost two strikers and needed another source of goals. “I think Rapha’s adaptation to the number nine role has been incredible. “Nobody expected it because he’d never played there before, as far as I know, at least not since he’s been at Barça, and, well, ultimately we know that two strikers have left and perhaps Rapha is scoring a lot of goals, but scoring goals is a team effort. “We all try to contribute in that area, but Rapha is performing at an incredible level.” Lastly, despite his own goalscoring contribution, Fermin is refusing to set himself a specific target for the campaign. “No. People around me keep throwing figures at me, but I try not to think about it, so as not to put myself under pressure. “The less pressure you put on yourself, the more goals you score. I try not to think about it too much. I try to do my best, play well, and if the goals come, all the better,” he concluded.