Fermin Lopez adds to Chelsea's regrets with world-class display in Prague

By Alessandro Schiavone in Prague

Slavia Praha 2-4 Barcelona

Ferociously convinced he could hold his own at Barcelona, Fermin Lopez snubbed Chelsea in the summer.

And how that wise decision is proving prophetic as Lopez spearheaded Hansi Flick's Barcelona machine to a 4-2 win over Slavia Prague yesterday night.

Operating as a modern no.10 just off Robert Lewandowski in the Catalans' 4-2-3-1 system, Lopez was a really thorn in the Czech giants' side. The kind of thorn Cole Palmer, who plays in his position, hasn't been for a while now. Injured or not. And the type of player who can take a game by the scruff of the neck when the opposition sits deep. Because he sees positions and spaces few of his peers see. And has a belter of a right foot to go with it.

The Eden Arena saw an irrepressible version of Lopez yesterday night. He fired in the equalizer at the near-post before scoring a goal from range Lionel Messi will have surely have been proud of.

According to reports, sacked Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca tried his utmost to convince the 22-year old Spaniard to join in late August. And there was a €15million salary to go with it.

But even that wasn't enough to convince him west London was better than the new Camp Nou. And in the end regrets are surely a one-way street.

With 10 goals in 22 games across all competitions, Lopez is heading for his best-ever season in terms of numbers.

He only needs one to match his highest-ever tally from 2023/2024.

Whatever price tag he'd have commanded, it would have been worth it.

Maybe the Blues can try to secure his signature again when he's a bit older like they did with Pedro in 2016.