A dynamic yet fragile force in Barcelona’s attack
Olmo’s return to Barcelona was a homecoming, as the La Masia product seamlessly reintegrated into the club’s system. His understanding of Barcelona’s style is instinctive, and when he is on the pitch, he elevates the entire attack.
Hansi Flick trusted him to change the game against Las Palmas, so he brought him on at halftime for Fermín López. Olmo did exactly that, immediately altering the flow of the match with his precision passing and movement. His link-up play with Pedri was fluid, and Barcelona looked far more cohesive with him orchestrating in the final third.
The opening goal was a testament to Olmo’s technical brilliance. Receiving a pass from Lamine Yamal in the middle of the box, he found himself surrounded by three Las Palmas defenders. Yet, with a deft first touch and a quick shift to create space, he fired a clinical shot into the back of the net. It was the kind of moment that separates top talents from the rest.
Olmo has been a decisive figure for Barcelona whenever he has played, scoring in a majority of his appearances this season. His ability to read the game and execute under pressure makes him one of the most dangerous midfielders in La Liga.
Despite his impact, Olmo’s biggest obstacle remains his availability. While his latest scare is minor, it highlights an ongoing issue. Barcelona’s medical staff is now conducting extensive testing to understand why he is so prone to injuries, particularly soft tissue problems that require prolonged recovery.
Barcelona has used similar testing methods before, notably with Pedri when he struggled with recurring injuries. The goal is to identify underlying causes and implement a specialized training plan to strengthen Olmo’s body against future setbacks. If successful, this could be the key to unlocking his full potential for the rest of the season.
🔵🔴 Hansi Flick: “We have a plan for Dani Olmo, to protect him from injuries”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 21, 2025
“We are thinking about it. Last season he had several injuries so precautions have to be taken. We have a plan similar to what we did with Pedri”. pic.twitter.com/b5sR0IGE5Z
Olmo’s performance against Las Palmas reinforced his importance to the squad. He is Barcelona’s X-factor—the diamond in the rough that could shine at the most crucial stages of the season. If the club can manage his fitness, he could be the difference in their pursuit of multiple trophies. Keeping him available isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.