Report: Fermín and Gordon - how Barcelona's duo became a new attacking force

Fermín López and Anthony Gordon have started the season impressively with FC Barcelona, as the duo has become two of the most influential players in the team's attack during the first four rounds of La Liga, with each having notable statistics, despite their differing roles on the pitch.

Fermín López has made a strong start to the scoring charts, netting four goals in four rounds, bringing him close to his tally in the league last season, which stood at six goals. This launch comes after a tough summer for the player due to a foot injury, but he has returned with renewed determination to confirm his importance in Hansi Flick's plans.

Fermín López is not only a goal scorer but also excels in creating chances and pressing continuously, moving behind defenders, and has the ability to play in multiple positions between midfield and attack. His movements allow him to appear inside the penalty area and quickly return to press in deeper areas, in addition to his movements that assist Lamine Yamal.

The match against Valencia at Mestalla was Fermín's standout appearance so far, as he scored FC Barcelona's second goal and assisted the first and third goals scored by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. He also participated in an attack that ended with a goal that was later disallowed, before hitting a shot that struck the post, ultimately earning him the Man of the Match award.

In contrast, Anthony Gordon has chosen to make his impact through assists, having provided five key passes during the first four rounds, despite not scoring any goals so far. With this tally, the English winger has matched his total number of assists from last season with Newcastle.

Anthony Gordon provided two assists in his first appearance against Elche, then created a goal against Rayo Vallecano, and added another assist in the match against Valencia. He also contributed to an own goal scored by Lejeune against Rayo Vallecano. Two of his assists went to Raphinha, while Fermín López received two other passes.

The duo's start comes at a time when FC Barcelona is looking to compensate for the goals that left with Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford. However, the team has so far received varied attacking contributions. Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Fermín López have scored the goals, while Anthony Gordon has provided the assists, as the front-line players interchange positions and roles.

After four rounds, FC Barcelona has reached 17 goals, highlighting the attacking diversity as one of the key features of the team's start. Meanwhile, Fermín López and Anthony Gordon continue to play different roles that give Flick's attack more effectiveness, with one player continuing to score and the other consistently creating goals.