In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez hailed teammate Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world.
The 23-year-old La Masia graduate, who recently made his 150th appearance for Barcelona in the win against Aston Villa, also discussed the competition for places in the team, particularly with Dani Olmo, while also opening up about the team’s recent form.
On partnership with Lamine Yamal and Olmo
It was pointed out to Fermin during the interview that Lamine, in a recent media appearance, had revealed that he enjoyed playing with the 23-year-old star due to the connection they share on the pitch.
Elaborating on the said connection, Fermin explained: “It means a lot because for me he’s the best, and the fact that he feels comfortable with me as a player, and that we have that rapport and connection, is important to me and to the team.
“I’ve known Lamine since we were kids, and when you have a friend off the field, you have that rapport too, and it’s even easier on the field. You know each other perfectly, and I think he and I know each other one hundred percent.
“That’s what we try to do on the field, and I’m very happy to play with him because, honestly, he’s the best.”
Lamine and Fermin share an excellent partnership. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Fermin has had to share time with Olmo in the attacking midfield position under Hansi Flick, and the academy graduate relishes the challenge and competition.
“It’s a really good competition because he’s a very good player, and in the end, we both try to make the most of our opportunities and do what’s best for ourselves. But we get along really well off the field; it’s a very healthy competition,” he said.
“Ultimately, we’re teammates, and we get along well with each other, even when the other isn’t playing. The competition makes us better every day, and I think that’s important.”
On team’s form and recent losses
After enjoying a scintillating start to the season, winning 11 games in 11, Barcelona fell to back-to-back defeats against PSG and Real Madrid.
Since then, the Catalans have managed to bounce back with victories over Alaves and Aston Villa.
But ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Atletico Madrid there remain some lingering doubts about the team’s ability and performances against the big teams.
Talking about what happened to the team leading to the Clasico defeat, Fermin explained:
“I think what happened to us is that we weren’t sharp. We weren’t playing the way we had been, and that’s why people probably thought we were going to win by a landslide. Obviously, we didn’t, because it’s Real Madrid and they can beat you in any match.
“We weren’t good, and everything went perfectly for them. Their first goal is what it is, and you’re already playing against the current in a match where you’re not comfortable with the ball, and everything becomes more difficult.”
Barcelona lost to Real Madrid in October. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“It was a bad game for us, but in the end, it’s just another game. We know it was important, obviously, for everyone, but there’s still a long way to go in the league, and I’m sure we’ll achieve great things.”
Regarding the loss to PSG and whether it meant that Barcelona still had a long way to go before realising their dream of winning the Champions League, he elaborated:
“We don’t like to feel like favourites, especially with all the great teams around right now. PSG are flying high. We gave them a real fight there, made it a tough game, and I think we had it in the bag at the end.
“We scored a goal, and then they scored one right after we got on top. These things can throw you off balance a bit, and you have to keep an eye on them, but I don’t think it was a complete rout, and they’re not light years ahead of us.
“In the end, they’re a great team, and I think the game was, at times, either theirs or ours. And they took advantage of their chances, and we weren’t at our best either.”
Concluding, Fermin had a message to the Barcelona fans, as he said: “To the Barça fans, I want to thank you for your unwavering support of both me and the team.
“We really feel it, especially when we play at the Camp Nou and away from home with the fans who travel to the games. Above all, I ask you to stay with us; we’re going to give everything for you, and hopefully, we can bring you great things this year.”
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