Dani Olmo shines as a 'false 9' with two assists against Betis

Dani Olmo played his first match as a starter in 2025 with FC Barcelona in a new position for him this season. Hansi Flick gave Robert Lewandowski a rest against Real Betis (5-1) and, instead of opting for Ferran Torres, he placed the player from Terrassa as a 'false 9', a role he played several times during his time at RB Leipzig. The coach had promised to take advantage of the characteristics of the '20' to try other solutions in attack, and the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey was the ideal setting for it.

The attacking midfielder positioned himself between Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, where Gavi also appeared behind him. Without giving a fixed reference to the Betis defenders, Barça took advantage to create multiple cracks in Manuel Pellegrini's defense. Before the third minute of the match had passed, Flick's plan had already yielded results, with a good run and pass from Pedri to Dani, who, entering the area, saw Gavi free in the middle.

The '6' received the ball on his right, adjusting it to his left foot to finish low with a precise touch against Freites. Interestingly, the player from Los Palacios and Villafranca did not celebrate the goal, apologizing to a Betis fanbase he will always hold dear, as he passed through the youth academy of the 'verdiblanco' team before arriving at La Masia. The match continued with Barça dominating all areas of the field, mainly in the attacking zone, where the Betis defenders, on several occasions, seemed to be chasing shadows due to the good work of Olmo alongside Pedri and Gavi at the edge of the area.

Dani Olmo creates another 'problem' for Hansi Flick

In the second half, after Ferran Torres came on in the 64th minute, Dani returned to his usual role as an attacking midfielder. The 'Shark', as usual, came in hungry and the '20' assisted him on the first opportunity he had, flicking a ball for the '7' to enter the area like a train, firing at Freites with his right foot. After a half-clearance from the Andalusian defense, the player from Terrassa had the lucidity and patience necessary to set up the Valencian, who celebrated with a bit of anger.

In total, the 26-year-old completed 47 of 54 passes (87%), with 2 assists, 5 balls recovered, and a couple of successful dribbles. Additionally, he won 3 of 5 individual duels and played his first full match of the season. In this sense, Dani is once again presenting his candidacy for a spot in Hansi Flick's starting eleven, in a very interesting head-to-head with Gavi, who has already scored a couple of goals in the last week.