Is Fermin Lopez already better than Pedri?

Last season, Fermin Lopez was nowhere to be found, literally. Barca were planning to ship him off to Polish team Raków Czestochowa. Ever heard that name?

But Xavi wanted to see Fermin in preseason before sanctioning the transfer. That was the turning point.

Fermin scored a cracking goal in a preseason El Clasico against Thibaut Courtois of all people. Besides the goal, Fermin's movement, aggressiveness, tenacity and confidence gave Xavi something to think about.

Thus, the decision was made — Fermin would go nowhere. With Franck Kessie leaving the club, Fermin was the perfect gem to serve as a backup in that Barcelona midfield. The youngster hasn't disappointed since.

Fast forward to two games to the end of the season, Fermin is Barca's highest-scoring midfielder with as many goals as Joao Felix (10). The 21-year-old was at the double as Barca beat Almeria 2-0 in a game that could've easily ended 2-2 or 3-3 — Almeria were just wasteful in front of goal.

That brings us to the question of Pedri.

Pedri has chipped in with five assists in his 32 appearances this season. But unlike Fermin, he's only scored two goals.

Let's forget about the goals and assists for a minute, Pedri's pass accuracy has slumped from an average of 93% to 90% nowadays. He also gives the ball away more than 10 times per game. Against Almeria, Pedri gave the ball away 17 times.

Fermin has become the more physical midfielder than Pedri, completes more dribbles per game, attempts more shots, and unarguably scores more goals.

Back to the question, we can say for now that Fermin is the more important midfielder than Pedri if we're being honest.

Fermin has shone where Pedri struggled and stumbled. The youngster deserves his flowers without debate.

However, Pedri remains Barca and Spain's crown jewel. It is Pedri who is expected to be on the plane to represent La Roja at the Euros in Germany while Fermin slugs it out in the under-21s.

Pedri is still rated because of the talent and pedigree we've seen from him over the years, not on his current form.