Hansi Flick should really start €60 million-rated Barcelona star against Athletic Club — Opinion | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are in Jeddah, waiting to take on Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final. Should they emerge victorious on the night, a potential final against one of Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid is on the horizon.

Ernesto Valverde’s side has consistently finished in the top four in La Liga in recent seasons, but is struggling this time. They are not in the best shape coming into this tournament, but the chance to win a trophy could motivate them to play out of their skin.

Hansi Flick has a major decision to make regarding the starting XI for the game against the Basque side. The German manager has been experimenting in recent weeks, but is unlikely to do so with silverware at stake.

We at Sempre Barca believe that Hansi Flick should start Spanish attacking midfielder Dani Olmo against Athletic Club. The €60m-rated Spainiard made a successful return against Espanyol after dislocating his shoulder around a month ago.

Olmo announced himself in his cameo appearance at the RCDE Stadium with one of the goals of the season so far, a sumptuous curler that left the goalkeeper stranded and nestled perfectly in the far top corner.

As he is not returning from a muscle injury, Olmo should be ready to start this game against Athletic Club. His quality in between the lines could prove game-changing for Hansi Flick’s team, and Barcelona should look to capitalise on his good form.

The 27-year-old has scored four goals in his last three appearances for Barcelona and is slowly but surely overcoming an indifferent start to the season. A fully fit and firing Olmo makes this team twice as good in a system tailored for him to thrive.

One of the biggest criticisms of Olmo last season was his failure to step up when it mattered most, particularly against Inter Milan in the Champions League. He has the chance to alter that narrative by playing a starring role in helping Barcelona lift the Spanish Super Cup.

Whether Hansi Flick decides to start Dani Olmo or not is a different story. However, this is what we feel, and let us hope the Spaniard can impress, should he be given the chance.