As the season progresses, Hansi Flick is beginning to identify his best Barcelona XI for the big games as some players are proving their consistency and mettle through thick and thin.
The forward combination and the defensive line have been clear for months, but the doubt has been over the personnel in midfield simply given the quality the manager has at his disposal.
With most players being fit for the past month, the German tactician finally has a clear idea of his best starting midfield.
Pedri and Marc Casado are part of that trident as the double pivot but SPORT now relays that Dani Olmo has cemented his place as the third.
An undroppable player
As relayed by the outlet, Olmo is now seen as an undroppable name in the starting lineup by the manager, especially given his incredible output on the field.
The former La Masia trainee has made a phenomenal start to life in Catalonia after his move in the summer and is already on six goals this season, just two short of his best-ever goalscoring record over the years.
Undroppable Olmo. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Flick appreciates Olmo for his contributions in the final third in front of the goal but equally values the Spanish star’s speed, movement, work off the ball and ability to create spaces and break defensive lines.
The former RB Leipzig star is now seen as the team’s best bet in the attacking midfield and his chemistry with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Casado and Raphinha is only improving by the day.
Olmo has not been at his best in recent games and has lacked the finesse in his ball control and passes. Yet, he proved to be instrumental against Brest and the manager hopes to have him back in top form at the earliest.
The report also furthers that Flick counts on both Gavi and Fermin Lopez. While the former is still working his way back to complete fitness, the latter is his first-choice substitution in almost every game.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication