Barcelona midfielder names Real Madrid’s biggest threat ahead of Clasico – ‘Have to try to stop him’

Under four hours remain before Barcelona and Real Madrid take to the field at Santiago Bernabeu for the first Clasico of the season.

The Blaugrana, who have been in fine form so far this season, are coming off a sensational win over Bayern Munich but face a whole different beast in Real Madrid who did away with Borussia Dortmund with a 5-2 scoreline this week.

Of all the players in white, however, it was a certain Vinicius Jr who took home all the praise after scoring a sensational and comeback pioneering hat-trick.

Fermin Lopez praises Real Madrid star

Speaking to Directo Gol in the buildup to tonight’s much-hyped El Clasico, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was asked who Real Madrid’s biggest threat is, to which he said,

“Real Madrid have a lot of good players but perhaps Vini is the one in particular shining, doing good numbers and playing great,” said Fermin.

“We have to try to stop Vinicius from having a good game,” he added.

With Rodrygo out injured, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to start a 4-4-2 setup tonight with Vinicius playing a more central role although he will also look to play wide on the left flank at times.

The primary defensive responsibility thus falls on Jules Kounde who will have to play out of his skin to keep up with the Brazilian. As he indicated in his recent interviews, he is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

As for Fermin Lopez, Hansi Flick has a real dilemma over whether to persist with him in the starting lineup or opt for Dani Olmo who was also sensational in his cameo against Bayern Munich.

In any case, Lopez will see minutes at Santiago Bernabeu and will look to capitalise irrespective of the duration of his participation.