The ‘Eric Garcia of attack’ – Barcelona playmaker is Hansi Flick’s most important offensive weapon | OneFootball

It goes without saying that Dani Olmo has become one of Barcelona’s most valuable pieces this season, not because of the numbers alone, but because of what he gives the team every time he steps on the pitch. 

In many ways, he has turned into the attacking equivalent of Eric Garcia – a footballer whose biggest strength is his ability to adapt without ever losing his identity. Wherever he plays, the team functions better.

Just as Garcia can operate as a centre-back, full-back or holding midfielder depending on the needs of the game, Olmo offers Hansi Flick rare tactical freedom in attack. 

He can start on either wing, operate centrally as a number ten, or even lead the line as a false nine. The position changes, but the performance level does not. 

Olmo remains Olmo – sharp between the lines, technically clean, and constantly involved in dangerous actions.

Many shades of Dani Olmo

Dani Olmo is a versatile asset. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)

At his core, Olmo is a playmaker. Yet he is not the kind who needs one fixed role to express himself. 

Whether he is positioned behind the striker, drifting in from wide areas, or dropping into midfield to link play, his influence stays consistent. 

In Flick’s current setup, Olmo often plays as an attacking midfielder. From there, he becomes the connector, the player who gives rhythm to Barça’s attacks.

Competition for the number ten role is real, as Fermin Lopez has made strong claims, and Flick also likes to use Raphinha centrally in certain matches. 

Even so, Olmo’s profile is slightly different. He is more forward-minded than a traditional midfielder and looks most dangerous when he has the freedom to attack spaces inside the box. 

That said, his technical quality allows him to function as an inside forward without disrupting the team’s balance.

A look at the numbers

Playing as a pure midfielder has been the least common role in Olmo’s career. From his early days, he was developed primarily as an attacking player. 

Since returning to Barcelona, he has started 13 matches as a midfielder, contributing three goals and three assists.

Dani Olmo can play anywhere in the attack. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

One of the most interesting uses of Olmo has come when Flick has deployed him as a false nine. 

In those moments, Barcelona gain an extra man in midfield, improving control and fluidity, without sacrificing threat in the final third. 

While Flick generally prefers to field a natural striker, there have been situations where Olmo’s movement made him the ideal solution.

This role is not new to him. In Barcelona’s youth system, Olmo spent two seasons playing as a natural centre forward. 

When he first arrived from Espanyol, he was seen as a classic number nine before being shifted wide due to squad needs. 

In his professional career, he has played 13 matches as a centre forward, scoring one goal and recording three assists.

Furthermore, he can also play as a winger, even if it has not been his most frequent role since returning to the club. 

Across his career, Olmo has played 52 matches as a winger, scoring 15 goals and providing 15 assists. And as a right winger, he has scored six goals and 13 assists in 42 outings.