22-year-old Barcelona sensation outshines Vinicius Jr. in goal contribution rate | OneFootball

La Masia has long been FC Barcelona’s crown jewel, a youth academy that consistently produces world-class talent while other clubs spend millions chasing the same.

This is one of the main reasons why success at Barcelona hits very differently to many other clubs. One of the most beautiful stories to come out of La Masia in recent seasons for the way it transpired is undoubtedly that of Fermin Lopez.

The 22-year-old Barcelona midfield sensation was hardly a regular or a blue-eyed boy in any of the youth ranks at the club. He wasn’t expected to step up to the first team but a loan spell to Linares transformed him into an elite attacking-midfield talent.

It was Xavi who first introduced Fermin Lopez. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Xavi’s eye for talent

It was Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona manager, who first spotted the talent and gave him a chance in pre-season ahead of last season. Fermin took the chance with both hands and hasn’t looked back ever since, growing from strength to strength.

The talented youngster made it to both the Euros and the Olympic squads for Spain last summer and played a starring role in securing the gold medal in the latter. This season, under Hansi Flick, he has taken his game to the next level.

As per SPORT, Fermin has exploded under Hansi Flick despite not being a regular starter and has made the most of the minutes that the gaffer has provided him with this season. In 1949 minutes, he has eight goals and nine assists against his name.

Fermin Lopez is outshining Vini Jr. in terms of goal contribution rate this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Better goal contribution rate than Vini

To put this into context, his goal contribution rate of 1 every 112 minutes is better than that of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. (112.5 minutes). The Brazilian is a forward who plays much closer to goal than Fermin does.

Fermin is a very unique profile in modern football. He is the perfect box-crashing number 10 and has intelligence that helps him get into the right positions. He also has the ability to strike the ball cleanly with both feet.

Fermin Lopez’s rise is still in motion, and the signs suggest his best is yet to come. His ability to adapt, improve, and deliver in key moments speaks volumes about both his character and potential. As Barcelona fans look ahead with excitement, one thing is clear: this 22-year-old midfield revelation is not just a story of persistence, it’s the beginning of something truly special in the Blaugrana midfield.