FC Barcelona are set to welcome Athletic Club to the Spotify Camp Nou later today. After two and a half years in the wilderness, the Catalan club finally returns to their permanent home as they look to take three points against their Basque opposition.
There are many interesting facets to the game between Barcelona and Athletic Club: the emotional angle of playing at the Camp Nou again, and the sporting angle of drawing level with Real Madrid and putting pressure on them.
Hansi Flick has a major headache to solve against the Basque club. For the first time since he became Barcelona manager, he does not have either Pedri or Frenkie de Jong to call upon, and that leaves a hole in the pivot area.
VIGO, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 09: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and FC Barcelona at Estadio Abanca-Balaidos on November 09, 2025 in Vigo, Spain.
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Although the German manager has a number of options for that position, he should consider starting Dani Olmo there alongside Marc Casado. The Spaniard excelled in a deeper role against Celta Vigo.
It was an encouraging performance from Olmo after many weeks, and he carried that form into Spain duty, where he played as a left winger and produced an incredible showing against Turkiye. Barcelona should look to build on that momentum.
Dani Olmo, in a deeper role, can certainly help with ball progression. Although he is not quite Pedri, the €60 million-rated player has qualities that suit the role. Even defensively, the Spaniard brought a lot of calibre to the table.
What Hansi Flick needs to ensure is that Olmo has a defensively inclined player alongside him. If Marc Casado is fit, that makes them the perfect duo in midfield. They should be able to hold their own against Athletic Club.
It all comes down to Flick’s preferences and who he deems fit for the role. Our choice would be Olmo, to provide him with continuity and a chance to build on his form. Let us see how things play out.