In-form Barcelona midfielder could be used as number ‘9’ against Guadalajara | OneFootball

Barcelona’s Copa del Rey opener against CD Guadalajara could offer more than just a routine progression into the next round. 

According to a recent report from AS, Hansi Flick is seriously considering a tactical experiment that would see Fermin Lopez deployed as a number 9, a move that has immediately sparked intrigue around the club.

The outlet mentions that the idea is not entirely new. The notion of using Fermin in a more advanced role has existed in internal conversations before. 

Flick recently mentioned Fermin as one of the attacking options for the Guadalajara clash, and that single reference has shifted the focus of the match. 

Factors in play

As such, several factors are pushing Flick in this direction. 

Robert Lewandowski is currently unavailable through injury, Ferran Torres is expected to start against Villarreal, and Marcus Rashford is seen as far more effective operating from the left flank.

Fermin Lopez could play at a new position. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Within that context, Fermin has emerged as a genuine alternative, mostly because he certainly does not lack the quality of scoring goals. 

His knack for arriving in dangerous areas and finishing chances has been evident, even if those goals have typically come from deeper or wider positions rather than as a fixed reference point in attack.

That is where the risk lies. Using Fermin as a number 9 could potentially strip him of some of his natural instincts, pulling him away from the spaces where he is most comfortable. 

However, the Copa del Rey presents an ideal testing ground. Fermin is not a player who shies away from physical contact, and his ability to link play and press aggressively could compensate for the lack of a classic striker profile.

For now, what is certain is that Fermin will return to the starting line-up against Guadalajara. The only real question is where.