A new era is taking shape at Barcelona, marked by a clear shift in the coaching staff’s choices and a departure from the prevailing approach at the start of the season. This transformation wasn’t just surprising to the fans; it also affected some familiar faces who had been regulars in the starting lineup.
In recent weeks, observers have noted a marked improvement in the team’s performance, particularly in midfield, coinciding with the introduction of a different lineup. The team’s cohesion has become evident, and their attacking efficiency has increased, giving them a balance they had previously lacked.
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The most significant factor in this transformation has been Pedri González, who has shown great comfort playing alongside Fermín López. The duo delivered impressive performances in the matches against Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao, with Fermín playing a crucial role thanks to his dynamism, constant runs into the penalty area, and ability to make a difference in critical moments.
In the derby match, Barcelona’s improvement, following a period of struggle, coincided with the inclusion of Pedri and Fermín together. Andalusian player Fermín López made the most significant impact, scoring and assisting to lead the team to a valuable three points. This prompted Hansi Flick to reward him by starting him in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
Flick’s decision came at the expense of prominent names, most notably Marcus Rashford, who was relegated to the bench. The German coach opted to retain the player who previously played for Real Betis, Linares, and Recreativo Huelva, clearly indicating a shift in priorities within the team.
The choice proved highly successful, as Fermín López delivered an exceptional performance against Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao. He set up Ferran Torres’ first goal, scored the second himself, and then provided another assist for Ronnie Bardhi, confirming that he is enjoying his best form with Barcelona.
This impressive performance has sparked discussion about the future of some players, most notably Dani Olmo. The player, who was accustomed to starting whenever he was fit, now finds himself in a complicated situation, with Flick settling on Fermín López as his first choice in the attacking playmaker role.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Dani Olmo’s situation has become precarious, not only in terms of his playing time with Barcelona, but also regarding his international future. The recurring injuries that have plagued him since joining Camp Nou, coupled with the fierce competition in midfield and attack, have reduced his opportunities to secure regular playing time.
Olmo’s lack of consistent playing time could negatively impact his chances of being selected for the Spanish national team at the 2026 World Cup, especially given that coach Luis de la Fuente has several ready-made options in the same position.
Thus, Barcelona finds itself facing a new reality: a young player proving himself with statistics and performances, and a seasoned star who needs to quickly reassess his situation in an era that values only fitness and effectiveness on the pitch.
