Barcelona star targets key milestone with Spain national team after return to squad | OneFootball

Fermin Lopez’s story of missing the World Cup and coming back with grit and determination is an inspiring one, and the player has set an example of how one must overcome adversity.

Being in the form of his life, the player was ruled out of the FIFA World Cup after suffering a last-minute fracture and had to watch his teammates lift the title while missing out on the chance to be crowned a world champion.

Yet, Lopez has brushed that setback aside and has started off his new season at Barcelona with sensational numbers. In many ways, his current form is far higher than the level he was operating at before his setback.

Back with a mission

Fermin has been called up by Luis de La Fuente for Spain’s games in the upcoming international break, and he returns to the national team with a clear objective in mind as relayed by SPORT – to score his first goal.

Looking for his first international goal. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

So far, the midfield star has played seven games for the senior Spanish national team and is yet to find the back of the net – something that is very uncharacteristic of him.

As Spain prepare to take on England, Croatia and the Czech Republic in the upcoming international break, the Barcelona star will have it in the back of his mind to finally net his first goal for the senior team.

A stunning start

So far this season, the La Masia graduate has played six games for Barcelona in La Liga, five of which came as a starter, and he has racked up a staggering four goals and two assists in the process.

Fermin missed the World Cup due to injury. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Lopez has also averaged 1.8 shots and 1.8 key passes per game and has completed 83% of his passes for the team this season.

What has set the young midfielder apart under Hansi Flick’s dynamics this season is the grit and tireless work rate that he has consistently produced, making him a massive attacking threat.

Further, he has been very clinical in front of goal and has come up with stunning finishes from complicated positions, making him a valuable asset and direct attacking threat in the Spanish national team setup as well.