Only yesterday, Culers speculated whether they'd finally get to witness the debut of their shiny new toy, Dani Olmo, who waited patiently for his club to achieve the financial means to complete his registration as an official La Liga player. While the Spanish international wasn't included in coach Hansi Flick's starting eleven, Olmo's 45-plus-minute shift after halftime was enough to secure the MOTM award on his debut for his dream club, leading Barca to a 2-1 victory over a feisty Rayo Vallecano side.
Barcelona's new addition looked like he'd been donning the Blaugrana for years, as he effortlessly floated in harmony with Barcelona's unyielding attack. Showing off the instincts that earned him the Golden Boot during Spain's Euro-winning campaign this summer, Olmo easily located the pockets of space, exploiting the gaps in Vallecano's with pace and precision.
Working in tandem with Lamine Yamal, who was a persistent thorn in the side of the Rayo defense, Olmo opened his Barcelona account in sublime fashion. Dancing into the bottom corner of the 18-yard box, Yamal delivered a pinpoint ball to his international teammate, who slotted the ball in the tightest of windows to just beat the Vallecano keeper.
The Spanish duo marked the decisive goal with an unforgettable celebration that appeared to signal to supporters that "it's time" for a new era of Barcelona football. Powered by the pure spontaneity of their 17-year-old phenom, and supported by the likes of Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona are well-equipped to eclipse the uninspiring expectations placed on them this season.
Immediately following Real Madrid's historic signing of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, Barca was written off as an insignificant threat to their rivals' title defense. However, Dani Olmo's debut suggests that Barcelona could be much more formidable than initially anticipated. Olmo is capable of contributing in a multitude of ways and his arrival provides another versatile attacking option at Barcelona's disposal.
"It seems very easy to play here, with all these great players. Today I played behind the striker, but I can also play on either wing. I will play wherever the coach wants to play me."Dani Olmo
Olmo's debut couldn't have been scripted any better, and his electric opener is only a glimpse of what's to come this season. There are defensive matters that require rectification, as Barca are yet to record a clean sheet across their first three matches. Still, the attack is firing on all cylinders, and it will only improve as reinforcements begin to trickle into the fray.