There’s something different about Barcelona this season.
For a team that’s coming off back to back La Liga titles, they look like men on a mission to keep the momentum going in search of more silverware.
There’s simply no complacency at all. The new arrivals are working hard to get with the agenda, and the returning players are raising their game.
The chemistry couldn’t be better, and that explains a lot. In fact, it’s the whole ball game.
Barcelona’s Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha (R) celebrates with Barcelona’s Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal and Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder #07 Fermin Lopez (L) scoring his team’s third goal during the Spanish league football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia on September 6, 2026. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN / AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
No one is safe. Everyone knows they have to fight for their minutes, and yet, there is an unselfishness that’s turned Barcelona into an unstoppable force in the early going.
Lamine Yamal had a slow start, but now he’s officially turned things on. The smile is back on his face, and goals are starting to hit the back of the net.
In large part, it’s because he’s starting to connect so well with his teammates, Fermín López in particular.
VALENCIA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 06: Lamine Yamal of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Fermin Lopez during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on September 06, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images
For me, Fermín embodies the fighting spirit that Hansi Flick demands. It’s hard to explain what’s the secret to his success exactly. It’s not talent alone. It’s that killer instinct that usually strikers possess. You either have it or you don’t.
Fermín is a natural goal scorer. By now, that can’t be denied, and it’s why Dani Olmo will have a big job on his hands to prove he deserves to be the starter.
It’s not just the converting of goals, however. Fermín is dangerous no matter the action. When he touches the ball, he is always direct, whether he’s dribbling, setting up teammates, or taking the shot on himself. There is simply no hesitation.
VALENCIA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 06: Fermin Lopez of Barcelona scores his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on September 06, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images
At the moment, Lamine is the biggest benefactor of Fermín’s heart and determination.
Against Valencia, the duo combined in the opening minutes with Fermín chipping the ball over the top to an on-running Lamine who made easy work of the goal.
Lamine then had a goal chalked off by millimeters that was also set up by Fermín.
From there, the two were constantly looking for one another, and each added another goal to their name before the day was over.
VALENCIA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 06: Lamine Yamal of Barcelona scores his team’s first goal under pressure from Pepelu of Valencia during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on September 06, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images
It’s not just the two of them. The camaraderie writ large at Barcelona is palpable and turning them into goal scoring machines, with a true number nine still yet to enter the picture.
Raphinha is leading the league with six goals. Anthony Gordon is the assist leader with four.
Everyone is contributing by simply doing their job when their numbers is called.
The show Barcelona is putting on is a lot of fun to watch, and at the moment, they’re looking like the best team in Europe.
VALENCIA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 06: Raphinha of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on September 06, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images
It’s a long season ahead, but making a statement of intent in the early going is important. Barcelona couldn’t remain in place this season and hope for the same results.
They are a new version of themselves, and one that’s looking more dangerous than ever.