Barcelona and Atlético Madrid drew 4-4 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, a game that revealed many important implications for the future of Hansi Flick’s team. One of the most notable was the confirmation that Dani Olmo is a key player for Barcelona.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, although the midfielder has not been at his best, his presence on the pitch has had a significant impact on the team’s dynamics. There is one player who understands this better than anyone else: Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old winger perfectly understands Olmo’s role, and their relationship on the pitch has become increasingly clear. Lamine has even expressed to Flick his desire to always play alongside Dani Olmo in the starting lineup.
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Since joining, Dani Olmo has proven to be a player with an exceptional ability to link up play and find the wings. His vision and technical quality give the team the ability to create chances on a regular basis, which directly benefits players like Lamine Yamal, who needs to receive the ball in the best possible context to enhance his attacking influence.
In the match against Atlético Madrid, it was clear that when Olmo is on the pitch, Lamine Yamal receives more balls and in a more effective way. The young forward knows this fact, which is why he made it clear that he wants to play alongside Olmo on a permanent basis.
This scenario puts Gavi, who was a substitute in the match against Atlético, in a difficult position. The Andalusian midfielder, who until recently was considered indispensable in the starting lineup, seems to be losing his place in Hansi Flick’s plans.
With Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong in midfield, it is clear that Flick has further defined the Barcelona midfield, which could leave Gavi in a secondary role. Although his dedication and sacrifices are undeniable, his style is different from Olmo’s, who offers more quality in moving the ball and a greater connection with the wingers.
If this trend continues, Gavi could find himself out of the starting lineup and becoming a substitute, a situation that will have a major impact on his future in the team in the coming months.
Hansi Flick is clearly strengthening his selection of Dani Olmo. With the former Leipzig player in the squad, Pedri and De Jong also benefit, as it improves the distribution of the ball and the overall dynamic of Barcelona’s game.
