"We don’t buy big players, we make them", "Will go down as a legend" - Fans hail 'underrated' Barcelona attacker after starring in Almeria win

Barcelona starlet Fermin Lopez was the star of the show, bagging a brace as Xavi's men beat Almeria 2-0 tonight (May 16). The Spanish attacker's double caught the eye with fans lauding his display on social media.

Fermin's first goal arrived in the 14th minute when Spanish teenage right-back Hector Fort delivered an asking cross into the box. It was met by his fellow countryman who powerfully headed the visitors in front.

The 21-year-old rising star grabbed his and Barcelona's second in the 67th minute. Sergi Roberto found the youngster on the edge of the box and he gave Almeria's Portuguese goalkeeper Luis Maximiano no chance with an excellent finish.

The Blaugrana may have lost their La Liga crown but they can look forward to a bright future. Fermin is one of several La Masia gems who have shone this season and he's staking a claim for a regular run in Xavi's starting XI.

Fermin also made three key passes, won five of nine ground duels, and found his man with all three long ball attempts. It was a man-of-the-match performance from the six-cap Spain U21 international who has seven goals in 29 La Liga games in his breakout season.

Fans were mesmerized by his performance and one seemingly pointed out that Barca are making stars unlike rivals Real Madrid:

"We don’t buy big players, we make them. Fermin Lopez once again, ladies and gentlemen."

One fan feels Fermin doesn't get enough recognition:

"(10) goals in his debut season and he’s not even a starter…Fermin Lopez is underrated!!!!"

One fan tipped the Spanish wonderkid to become an icon at Camp Nou:

"Fermin Lopez will go down as a legend in Barcelona. Just look at the runs he makes. How he attacks those space. His outside shots."

More fans gave glowing reviews of Fermin on X (formerly Twitter). One highlighted how he's outscored Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos:

"Fermin Lopez this season: (10) goals. Camavinga in the last 2 seasons: 0 goals. Kroos in the last 2 Seasons : 3 goals."

Barca Times tipped their hat to the La Masia academy graduate:

"(10) goals in his debut season, that too mainly as a substitute and being a midfielder Fermín Lopez."

One fan lavished praise on Fermin as the Catalans' new super sup:

"Fermin Lopez is now our SECOND top scorer in the league behind Lewandowski!!! (9) goals in 12 starts. 10 in all comps — *wild*. He’s the best super sub we’ve had in years, and he can be so much more."

Another fan compared him to Madrid's Jude Bellingham:

"Fermin Lopez is Barca's Jude Bellingham... with less playing time."

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Fermin Lopez reportedly nearly left Barcelona for just €600,000 last summer

Fermin was close to leaving Barcelona last summer.

Fermin is enjoying a magnificent season with Barcelona that has many tipping him to become one of their megastars. He joins Lamine Yamal, 16, and Pau Cubarsi, 17, as three prospects emerging as credible starting XI contenders.

However, the Spaniard, who started his youth career at Real Betis, nearly left Barca last summer. Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk (via Football Espana) reports that Fermin nearly joined Rakow Czestochowa.

The Polish outfit offered €600,000 for his services and the Blaugrana considered it. Their coaching team changed their minds and opted not to sign him which has proven to be a massive mistake.