USA tour review: 3 Barcelona players who exceeded expectations

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 01: Oriol Romeu #18 of FC Barcelona gestures to a teammate in the first half of a preseason friendly match against AC Milan during the 2023 Soccer Champions Tour at Allegiant Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. FC Barcelona defeated AC Milan 1-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 01: Oriol Romeu #18 of FC Barcelona gestures to a teammate in the first half of a preseason friendly match against AC Milan during the 2023 Soccer Champions Tour at Allegiant Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. FC Barcelona defeated AC Milan 1-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Fermin Lopez – Midfielder

If you want to make a name for yourself and make a statement to the fans, score from outside the area and assist a goal in an El Clasico. It doesn’t matter that it was just a ‘friendly’, friendlies don’t really exist between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Lopez’s performance against Madrid showed his unquestionable talent and also gave us an idea of what had impressed Pedri so much in training.

Although he was quieter on the scoresheet against AC Milan, he made so many intelligent forward runs and had his teammates have been able to pick him out, he’d probably have added to his goal tally.

Lopez is obviously a very skilled and competent player with the ball at his feet, and while he’s not the best tackler on the field, he showed a willingness to get stuck in and not avoid his defensive responsibilities.

The Barcelona midfield is pretty packed as it is with Gavi still to return from his back injury, so he may see his options limited through the year, but if there’s one thing we know about Barca, if you’re good enough you’re old enough.

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