Xavi finding it difficult to bench 'most under-appreciated' player at Barca

Based on his performances and the lack of attention he gets from the media, Fermin Lopez is the most under-appreciated player at Barcelona, according to Diario Sport.

Fermin's form is causing a headache for Xavi as the Barca coach is finding it ever so difficult to bench him.

Fermin is Barca's highest-scoring midfielder this season with eight goals, eclipsing established midfielders like Pedri, Frenkie De Jong and Ilkay Gundogan.

But stats show that Fermin performs best on two conditions — when he starts and when he plays in an attacking midfield position.

The 20-year-old has scored some big goals this season – in the Champions League round of 16 against Napoli and in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, seven of his eight goals have come when he was allowed to play 45 or more minutes.

It's why Xavi is finding it ever so difficult to drop the young Spaniard who continues to improve and show his talent.

Xavi names one midfielder at Barca who fully understands the FAST game, not Pedri