Fermín López, one of the season's revelations at Barça, reflects on his journey from the youth academy to the first team, as well as his football idols and experiences.
Q: What does Xavi expect from you?
A: Xavi emphasizes not losing possession, playing between the lines, being aware of the opponent's positioning, and seeking out spaces. He also encourages me to utilize my strong suit, shooting from outside the box, and to express my style.
A: Xavi emphasizes not losing possession, playing between the lines, being aware of the opponent's positioning, and seeking out spaces. He also encourages me to utilize my strong suit, shooting from outside the box, and to express my style.
Q: Your debut was quite explosive, with a fantastic goal against Real Madrid in preseason. How did you feel?
A: Honestly, it was a whirlwind of emotions. I entered the match without expecting it, and then the goal happened. I'm thrilled for myself and my family.
A: Honestly, it was a whirlwind of emotions. I entered the match without expecting it, and then the goal happened. I'm thrilled for myself and my family.
Q: To whom did you dedicate the goal, considering it garnered global attention?
A: I dedicated it to my family, who have supported me despite the physical distance. They've always been there for me, from Huelva to El Campillo. I owe them for always being by my side.
A: I dedicated it to my family, who have supported me despite the physical distance. They've always been there for me, from Huelva to El Campillo. I owe them for always being by my side.
Q: Let's talk about your football idols. It seems you've been passionate about football since young.
A: I've been a Barcelona fan since childhood, largely thanks to my uncle Juan Antonio. My admiration was focused on Lionel Messi, the greatest in history, and Andrés Iniesta.
A: I've been a Barcelona fan since childhood, largely thanks to my uncle Juan Antonio. My admiration was focused on Lionel Messi, the greatest in history, and Andrés Iniesta.
Q: What specifically do you admire about Iniesta's style of play?
A: Iniesta's ability to outmaneuver opponents with his control, feints, ball retention, and final passes is something I greatly admire. He's a top player.
A: Iniesta's ability to outmaneuver opponents with his control, feints, ball retention, and final passes is something I greatly admire. He's a top player.
Q: Given that Barcelona's style primarily focuses on passing and ball retention, have you observed any particular players when it comes to shooting?
A: To be honest, I didn't pay much attention to anyone's shooting because, when I was younger, it wasn't my strong suit.
A: To be honest, I didn't pay much attention to anyone's shooting because, when I was younger, it wasn't my strong suit.
Q: How did you transform into a midfielder with a potent long-range shot?
A: The transformation mainly occurred during my second year in the youth academy, with additional development during my time at Linares. I underwent significant physical changes during that period.
A: The transformation mainly occurred during my second year in the youth academy, with additional development during my time at Linares. I underwent significant physical changes during that period.
Q: Did any coaches play a pivotal role in encouraging you to shoot more and refine your skills?
A: Alberto González, the coach at Linares, played a crucial role in my development during my transition from youth to elite level. I'm grateful to him and his coaching staff.
A: Alberto González, the coach at Linares, played a crucial role in my development during my transition from youth to elite level. I'm grateful to him and his coaching staff.
Q: Now that you're part of the first team, what's your dream?
A: Initially, my dream was to make my debut, to train with the best every day. Now, my dream is to remain with the first team and have the opportunity to stay here next year.
A: Initially, my dream was to make my debut, to train with the best every day. Now, my dream is to remain with the first team and have the opportunity to stay here next year.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a football player?
A: I consider myself a player skilled in tight spaces. While I may not be exceptionally fast over long distances, I'm quick in short spaces, possess good vision for the final pass, excel in one-on-one situations.
A: I consider myself a player skilled in tight spaces. While I may not be exceptionally fast over long distances, I'm quick in short spaces, possess good vision for the final pass, excel in one-on-one situations.
Q: You've been called up to the U-21 team. What was your reaction when you received the call?
A: It was another dream come true because I had never represented Spain in the youth categories before. Receiving that call for the first time was a dream, and I found on Twitter.
A: It was another dream come true because I had never represented Spain in the youth categories before. Receiving that call for the first time was a dream, and I found on Twitter.
Q: The 2030 World Cup is coming to Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. Can you envision yourself playing in it?
A: It's still a long journey ahead, with much work to be done. Playing in the World Cup in my home country would be a dream. I have to continue working and striving.
A: It's still a long journey ahead, with much work to be done. Playing in the World Cup in my home country would be a dream. I have to continue working and striving.
Q: Since joining the first team, what's the most memorable compliment or piece of advice you've received?
A: Xavi and his coaching staff have been incredibly helpful from day one, particularly in terms of the game. Xavi was one of the best midfielders in history.
A: Xavi and his coaching staff have been incredibly helpful from day one, particularly in terms of the game. Xavi was one of the best midfielders in history.
Q: Do you review videos to improve your game and make corrections?
A: I haven't watched individual videos, but I receive feedback from time to time. I'm grateful for the guidance because I've always strived to learn and improve.
A: I haven't watched individual videos, but I receive feedback from time to time. I'm grateful for the guidance because I've always strived to learn and improve.
Q: Let's touch on a more personal topic. How did you come to be named Fermín? It's not a very common name.
A: My name, Fermín, is a tribute to my grandfather, Fermín, whom I never had the chance to meet. He passed away when my father was just 15 years old.
A: My name, Fermín, is a tribute to my grandfather, Fermín, whom I never had the chance to meet. He passed away when my father was just 15 years old.
Q: You don't have Navarrese roots, do you?
A: No, many people have asked, but I have no connections to Navarre. I'm from Huelva, specifically El Campillo, and my roots have always been there.
A: No, many people have asked, but I have no connections to Navarre. I'm from Huelva, specifically El Campillo, and my roots have always been there.
Q: Have you ever encountered jokes or teasing due to your name not being very common?
A: When I joined the first team, there was some light-hearted teasing about my name being Fermín Trujillo, a character from "Aquí No Hay Quien Viva," portrayed by actor Fernando Tejero.
A: When I joined the first team, there was some light-hearted teasing about my name being Fermín Trujillo, a character from "Aquí No Hay Quien Viva," portrayed by actor Fernando Tejero.
Q: You mentioned earlier that you haven't been to the Sanfermines, but would you like to go?
A: Yes, I would like to experience it. I wouldn't participate in the running of the bulls, but I'd love to attend. It's my namesake festival, so I'd like to give it a try someday.
A: Yes, I would like to experience it. I wouldn't participate in the running of the bulls, but I'd love to attend. It's my namesake festival, so I'd like to give it a try someday.
Q: Despite your success now, there were moments when you didn't play much. Can you tell us about how you coped with those challenging times?
A: It was undoubtedly a tough period. I arrived at Barcelona when I was just 13 years old, far from my parents and still a child.
A: It was undoubtedly a tough period. I arrived at Barcelona when I was just 13 years old, far from my parents and still a child.
Q: During moments of doubt, who provided support and encouraged you to stay?
A: I played a significant role in my decision to stay, as Barcelona was my dream. My family, particularly my father, played a crucial role. I had many discussions with my father about football.
A: I played a significant role in my decision to stay, as Barcelona was my dream. My family, particularly my father, played a crucial role. I had many discussions with my father about football.
Q: Were there times when your morale was so low, especially when you were on the bench, that you considered giving up?
A: Yes, during my third year in the youth academy, there was a period before Christmas when I reached my breaking point.
A: Yes, during my third year in the youth academy, there was a period before Christmas when I reached my breaking point.
A: I couldn't handle it anymore, and the frustration was overwhelming. I cried a lot and went through a tough time emotionally. I tried to keep it to myself, but sometimes people noticed. I felt down, but I believe everyone experiences such moments. It made me mentally stronger.
Q: Did you seek psychological help during that challenging period? Did the club offer assistance, or did you request it?
A: The club at La Masia recognized that I was struggling mentally, and they provided me with psychological support for a period.
A: The club at La Masia recognized that I was struggling mentally, and they provided me with psychological support for a period.
Q: Which teammate offered you the most support during those difficult times? Who provided you with a comforting presence?
A: I've always felt a lot of love from everyone at La Masia. However, my closest circle included players like Gavi.
A: I've always felt a lot of love from everyone at La Masia. However, my closest circle included players like Gavi.
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