Numbers behind Barcelona playmaker’s crucial performance in 3-1 win vs Alaves | OneFootball

Hansi Flick wasn’t the happiest man on earth even as Barcelona returned to winning ways after securing a 3-1 victory at home to Alaves.

The German tactician felt the team lacked the dominance it should have shown, even in a game that saw Raphinha and Pedri return to the pitch.

However, one positive Barcelona can take away from this game is the return to form for Dani Olmo, who was a complete livewire throughout the game.

Dani Olmo: The return of a champion?

As reported by SPORT, Olmo was one of the best performers for Barcelona in the win over Deportivo Alaves, and his performance has been backed by numbers as well.

Playing the full 90 minutes, the Spaniard registered a decisive brace, scoring his first league goals since September.

His second goal, coming deep into stoppage time, sealed the victory after Lamine Yamal’s earlier equaliser.

Dani Olmo made life difficult for Alaves defenders. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Beyond his productivity, Olmo played a key role in orchestrating the attack. He created five scoring chances – the most of any player on the pitch – and was involved in 80 plays, recording nine touches inside the opposition box.

Olmo’s impact wasn’t limited to the final third. Defensively, his work rate was immense, completing five tackles, recovering five balls, and winning 60% of his duels.

This all-action performance was crucial in the absence of Fermin Lopez, proving Olmo can be the indispensable engine Flick needs.

The former RB Leipzig star’s scoring record at home is tremendous, to say the least. He has scored 10 goals and 6 assists in 1,330 minutes at home.

With this brace, Olmo has now scored the winning goal for Barça on five separate occasions, reaffirming his status as a big-game player just when the team needs him most.