Xavi Hernandez Praises Fermin Lopez's Performance In El Clasico: Great Talent
JAKARTA - FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez praised his young player, Fermin Lopez, when he appeared in El Clasico's match against Real Madrid in the third pre-season match at AT&T Stadium in Texas, United States, Sunday.In the match that ended with Barca's 3-0 win, Fermin Lopez scored one goal through his left foot hard kick in the 85th minute and one key pass through his right foot on a goal scored by Ferran Torres in the 90+1 minute. Another Barca goal was scored by Ousmane Dembele in the 16th minute.As a coach, Xavi loves the ability of the 20-year-old footballer who has appeared since the 66th minute to replace Pedri because he has the same strength of both legs."Fermin is a player with extraordinary talent, two legs and the ability to play the final pass. He is only 20 years old but he has a lot of character. He is a player I love and that last pass is something a little less than us last season," Xavi praised Fermin after the match against Madrid., reported from the club's official website, Sunday, July 30.Fermin is an El Barca academy product that now appears for Barca Atletic. Last season, the Spanish-born midfielder was loaned to Linares Deportivo who appeared in the Primera Federacion Group 2 competition. There, Fermin performed 37 times and scored 12 goals, scored four assists, and led his team to finish sixth.“ He's not afraid, he wants the ball and he makes it simple. When I saw it in training then I had to give him a minute to trust him," said the 43-year-old coach.The Blaugrana will face two remaining pre-season matches before the Spanish League starts against Getafe on August 14 at 02.30 WIB.The two pre-season matches will meet AC Milan at the Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, United States, on Wednesday (2/8) at 10.00 WIB and against Tottenham Hotspur at the Lluis Company's Olympic Stadium, Barcelona, Spain in the match titled Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday (9/8) at 01.00 WIB.