3 key passes, 6 recoveries: Struggling Barcelona star held his own in an unfamiliar role against Celta Vigo — Opinion | OneFootball

Hansi Flick named a starting line-up for FC Barcelona against Celta Vigo along expected lines, with Lewandowski replacing Ferran Torres and Pau Cubarsi replacing Eric Garcia in the centre of defense, and Eric moving to right back to replace Jules Kounde.

However, when the teams lined up ahead of the game, it came as a surprise to see Dani Olmo on the pitch ahead of Marc Casado, with the latter pulling out minutes before kick-off after feeling some discomfort.

Olmo is not a deep-lying playmaker and was thrown in at the deep end in an unfamiliar role while going through a difficult period in his Barcelona career. It showed his mental resolve that he came through it, holding his own.

According to SofaScore, Olmo played 86 minutes as a secondary pivot alongside Frenkie de Jong, registering an xG of 0.05 and an xA of 0.30. He created one big chance, provided three key passes, but did not complete any of his four dribbles.

He recorded 93 touches, completing 65 of 75 passes at 87% accuracy. This included 48 of 58 passes in the opposition half, 16 of 17 in his own half, and two of three long balls. He had one shot on target and two shots blocked.

He was fouled three times. Understandably, his defensive numbers were average, given that he is not a natural pivot. He lost the ball 16 times, won his only attempted tackle, made one interception, and had six recoveries.

Olmo also won four of nine ground duels and his only aerial duel. All in all, it was a very decent performance from a player operating in an unfamiliar role, and one that should give him a good deal of confidence.

The Spaniard’s form since the start of the season has been poor, but with performances like this, especially in difficult circumstances, he continues to showcase his resilience. Let us hope he soon returns to his best as an attacking midfielder and becomes decisive for Barcelona.