Barca boss Xavi Hernandez has been speaking highly of youngster Fermin Lopez in recent games.

Ahead of the game against Porto, Xavi has again sung the praise of the 20-year-old, who is maturing with each performance.

Xavi has admitted he has been surprised by the form of Lopez.

The Barca boss said: “Fermin [Lopez] is a surprise to all of us. He’s part of the first team, he’s earned it.

“I like him a lot and I think he can help us a lot, he has a lot of quality and I believe he can be a Barca player for many years. He is ready to compete.”

Fermin Lopez was one of the eight La Masia players to join the Barcelona squad for the US tour, and has gradually gained his way into the first team since then.