FCBN Debate: Who should be the starting playmaker for Barça in the match against Valencia CF?

The FC Barcelona is likely to face a significant debate regarding a particular question: who will occupy the playmaker position in the match against Valencia CF in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey 2024-25. This conversation arises largely not due to a lack of options to cover that area, but rather the opposite, as there are a significant number of alternatives to employ in that position, presenting Hansi Flick with a 'nice problem' to assemble his lineup and choose the player who must occupy such a crucial area for the offensive aspect of the team.

In this sense, one might think that with Dani Olmo's recovery, he should be the one to play in the '10' position; however, in this regard, Hansi Flick raised doubts in the press conference prior to the match. Although he admitted that the player from Terrassa could participate in the game, he made it clear that his entry would likely be oriented towards the second half as a substitute.

With this in mind, although it cannot be completely ruled out that Dani Olmo starts against Valencia CF, his options are perhaps a bit complicated.

The options to consider by Hansi Flick to play as a playmaker against Valencia CF:

If Dani Olmo is ruled out as a starter and, of course, Gavi, who has been excluded from the squad for this match, and was another who could perfectly perform as a playmaker, Hansi Flick would have two options left to fight for a spot in the starting eleven for this match: Fermín López and Pablo Torre.

Fermín López, the favorite

In this regard, it seems that Fermín López has a certain favoritism, as Hansi Flick praised his performance in that position during the press conference prior to the match. The German coach admitted that the player from Huelva "has done a good job" when given the opportunity, highlighting his "ability to attack and press high", as well as his understanding of "what to do with the ball in that position".

Moreover, there is a noteworthy detail related to the fact that Fermín López, besides being an option that the German coach has often turned to when he needs variations on the field, had an outstanding match in the last encounter against Valencia CF. The player from El Campillo scored two goals and provided two assists in the 7-1 victory against the 'Ches' in LaLiga EA Sports, so his presence against the 'Blanquinegros' could be almost certain.

Pablo Torre, an option that cannot be ruled out

However, it cannot be denied that Pablo Torre also has some chance of starting against Valencia CF, as he is a player who, although he has had few opportunities to play, has proven his worth when he has done so. The '14' is a natural 'player' and potentially decisive in the final third of the field, with a gifted right foot that makes him a stellar passer.

What if Pedri González plays as '10'?

Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that Hansi Flick considers a change in his starting eleven and opts to position Pedri González as '10', even though he has proven to be one of the best midfielders currently, playing a bit deeper in the midfield area. This decision could lead to populating the double pivot with Marc Casadó and Frenkie de Jong,  an asset that is gradually regaining his best level and is pushing for a place in the German coach's scheme.