Barcelona midfielder Fermín López was interviewed by GQ, discussing his development, his career at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team, Lamine Yamal, Flick, and Luis de la Fuente, among other topics. This is part one of the interview.

Introduction

As a typical Gen Z player, Fermín first learned about his call-up to Spain's senior national team through a video channel. Ultimately, he missed the World Cup due to an injury in the final stages, but this heavy blow did not dampen his spirits.

Now fully recovered, Fermín has returned and is enjoying an excellent start to the season with Barcelona. Nothing seems to be able to stop him, not even himself. People always enjoy success, because for most people, setbacks are actually more common.

Even Fermín, born in El Campillo, Huelva province in 2003, and now just 23 years old, is no exception. He has won two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey with his beloved Barcelona, as well as an Olympic gold medal and a European Championship title with the Spanish national team. But sometimes, even if you play well, even if you deserve to win, you can still lose.

Fermín experienced this at the last World Cup, where he could not participate due to a toe injury that came at an inopportune moment and was very costly for him. The tournament's final outcome may have made the Andalusian player regret it even more, but there will be other opportunities in the future.

At club level, he has started the season very well. Fermín is a typical La Masia player—slender, highly technical, and with an excellent understanding of the game—but at the same time, he is somewhat different. With his vertical runs and late arrivals in the box, he breaks the stereotype of a traditional Barcelona midfielder.

So far this season, he has played nearly every minute for Barcelona, scoring 4 goals, making him one of the most attacking midfielders in football right now. Some Premier League giants have even been willing to offer substantial sums to recruit him. However, Fermín himself says he still needs to "find his rhythm" to reach his best form. Based on his performances in matches, it's hard to see why. If his form continues to improve, this could be a historic season.

You missed the last World Cup due to injury. Recently, we've seen many key players at both national teams and clubs suffer injuries, especially at the end of the season. In your opinion, what's the reason for this?

It's natural, because we play many matches and travel a lot. Ultimately, both body and mind feel tired. I always try my best to take care of myself so I can play in good condition, especially in the final stages of the season, because that period is very important.

Although you couldn't participate in the World Cup, your role in the Spanish national team is very important. You already have a European Championship title and an Olympic gold medal, and you've scored more goals in one season than Iniesta and Xavi did in seven seasons combined. In your opinion, why do you have such a strong connection with scoring goals?

It's always been a characteristic of mine, this relationship with scoring goals. Since I was a child, I've always been able to score many goals. I think I'm somewhat different from Xavi and Iniesta. I think they are exceptional players, but I have some other characteristics. I'm always closer to the box, I like to push forward, and I'm always looking for goals. I've always had a good relationship with scoring, and this year I'm enjoying it even more.

You're still very young, and the average age of Spain's new generation of national team players is also around 22. In your opinion, what's most important to succeed at this level of football?

It's a combination of all aspects. Those of us who can play at the highest level have enough talent to be here, but what's more important is your mental state and how you look after your body. Because at this level, all players are excellent and at the same level as you. I think the specific way each person prepares themselves mentally and physically ultimately makes the difference.

As a player, what aspects do you still need to improve?

Too many. Because I'm still very young, and I always love to learn and want to keep improving. I have many aspects to work on, and I can't single out just one. I feel I'm on the right path. I'm someone who likes to listen to advice and learn. I believe that over time, my level of play will continue to improve, both offensively and defensively.

Do you feel that you belong to a different generation of Spanish players than those before you? Do you have this sense of "generational unity" among yourselves?

I haven't thought too much about it, and we don't like comparing ourselves to players from other eras, let alone the legendary generation that won everything. We're just walking our own path, trying to represent the Spanish national team and our clubs in the best way possible. I think we're on the right path.

In the national team, like in all locker rooms, there are always some smaller groups that are closer. In your opinion, which group do you belong to?

Actually, almost all the players gather together, because most of the year we're not together. Usually, only players from the same club meet regularly. I think we all come together, but I do have a close circle, like Baena, Grimaldo, Cucurella, and my Barcelona teammates, like Yamal, Pedri... But if you ask me, I get along with everyone, we're all one unit.

Among Spain's new generation of players, some have a very "street" style and are very interested in fashion, like Yamal and Nico. Do you have that style, or do you take a different approach?

I try to find my own style, but yes, I like street style. For example, I quite like the way Yamal dresses. But there are many players who dress well. I'll try to find my own style, and I'll also try some new things, and I'll also listen to some advice from others.

Let's continue talking about football. A player as young as you might have already had the chance to play against your childhood idols. Can you tell me who your idols are? Did you get the chance to be their teammate or opponent?

Since I was a child, my idols have always been Iniesta and Messi. I can no longer play with Iniesta, and I won't have the chance in the future, because he's already retired. Of course, I would have loved to play with him.

As for Messi, I always regret that the match that could have happened in Qatar ultimately didn't happen. I really wish I could have been on the same pitch as Messi.

Of course, like all players, you will also try to forge your own path. But sometimes, people also observe certain careers, not to copy them entirely, but to learn from them. For you, whose career is like this?

I think almost all my idols have had extraordinary careers, and Messi is still continuing his. I think their careers are nearly perfect. Messi and Iniesta are both role models for me. If my career could reach even a quarter of theirs, that would be a dream for me. I hope I can achieve some similar accomplishments.

When you watch Iniesta play, is there something that makes you think, "I wish I had that ability"?

I'd say everything, because he's always been a player I really admired. In my opinion, he's a very complete player. But if I had to choose, I'd specifically mention his dribbling and his game vision, which I think is exceptional.

Looking further back, who was the first person to believe you had football talent?

Are you talking about when I was at Barcelona, or in my family?

Even earlier. Because when you came to Barcelona, I understand that someone had already noticed you by then...

Then I'd say it was my first coach in El Campillo. From the first time he saw me, he kept telling my parents that he thought there was something different about me. His name was Rafael. I think he was my first coach and the first person who thought I was special and that I could go far in football.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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