Dani Olmo, Spain’s assist king driving World Cup charge | OneFootball

Dani Olmo has become Spain's creative reference at this World Cup, shining again in the semi-final against France in Dallas.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he dictated attacks and worked tirelessly without the ball. Pedro Porro took MVP, though Olmo had a strong case.

He was central to Spain's second goal, returning an almost impossible one-two to Porro, striking the ball from behind him for the Tottenham full-back to finish and settle the contest.

He was a surprise substitute in the opener with Cabo Verde, then kept his place and set up Mikel Oyarzabal in the second game against Saudi Arabia. The Porro pass was his second assist of the tournament.

Olmo has made history as the first Spain player to reach 8 assists across major tournaments. Under Luis Enrique at Euro 2021 he laid on three and excelled as a false nine against Italy.

He added one at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and two at Euro 2024, the triumph in Berlin. He arrived in the United States, Mexico and Canada with six, two more here taking him to eight, a mark no other Spain player has managed.

Even so, he is yet to claim an MVP, though his displays suggest FIFA's specialists could recognise his football.

Olmo came to this World Cup to be champion. He is one step away, needing victory in Sunday's New York final with a close-knit, selfless squad.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo