Hansi Flick likely to give 27-year-old star a starting role against Valencia | OneFootball

Barcelona are preparing for their first home game of the season against Valencia, and it looks like Dani Olmo could be handed a big opportunity.

As such, SPORT reports that Hansi Flick sees the 27-year-old as the most decisive option for the attacking midfield role for this clash, especially with Gavi unavailable and Frenkie de Jong struggling with discomfort.

The plan is for Marc Casado to anchor the midfield as the defensive pivot, which leaves room for Olmo to push forward as the link between midfield and attack.

It is a role that fits his style, and one Flick believes can bring balance to the side.

Flick backs Olmo’s quality

Olmo’s start to the season has been far from smooth. He was limited to 45 minutes across the opening two games against Mallorca and Levante, before starting and playing just over an hour against Rayo Vallecano.

Even with the national team, things have been inconsistent, as he got some minutes against Bulgaria but did not feature against Turkey, where Fermin Lopez was chosen instead.

Dani Olmo is likely to start against Valencia. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Despite these ups and downs, Flick remains convinced that Olmo is the most creative option for Barcelona in that advanced position.

The coach values his ability to keep possession, control the rhythm of play, and open up space with quick turns and clever touches.

There is work to do

Alongside Pedri, Olmo is considered one of the few players capable of bringing real fluency to Barça’s midfield.

Defensively, however, Olmo still has work to do. He is less aggressive when pressing compared to Fermín, who offers more intensity off the ball.

But Flick appears willing to overlook that for now, trusting Olmo’s creativity to make the difference against Valencia.

If given the start against Valencia, Olmo will have the chance to prove that he deserves a permanent spot in the XI and show why Flick views him as one of the most decisive players in his squad.