Barcelona’s Midfield Puzzle Without Dani Olmo

How does Barcelona’s midfield adapt without its key playmaker?

Barcelona fans have grown accustomed to the elegance and control that Dani Olmo brings to the midfield. His absence, due to a lingering injury, has left a noticeable void in the team’s dynamics. With Olmo sidelined, Barcelona faces an intriguing dilemma: how to maintain their midfield dominance without one of their most creative sparks?

Olmo, who joined Barca in the summer, has quickly become a linchpin in the midfield. His ability to link defense and attack, combined with his knack for finding pockets of space, has been a cornerstone of Barcelona’s tactical identity this season. However, injuries have interrupted his rhythm, and the club has wisely opted for caution by delaying his return until he fully recovers. This decision, while frustrating for fans eager to see him back in action, underscores the importance of preserving his long-term fitness.

In his absence, manager Hansi Flick has had to get creative. The midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and İlkay Gündoğan has taken center stage, each bringing unique qualities to the table. De Jong’s composure on the ball and ability to dictate tempo have been pivotal, while Gavi’s relentless energy and defensive work rate provide balance. Gündoğan, the experienced orchestrator, has stepped up as the primary playmaker, showcasing his vision and ability to unlock defenses.

Despite these adjustments, the team’s performances have been a mixed bag. Against Valencia, Barcelona struggled to maintain control in the final third, highlighting the lack of Olmo’s incisive passing and positional intelligence. On the flip side, the team showed resilience and adaptability in their Champions League fixture against Benfica, securing a crucial result without their star midfielder.

One of the key tactical shifts has been an increased reliance on the wings. With Olmo unavailable to operate in central areas, Barcelona has leaned heavily on wide players like Lamine Yamal and João Cancelo to stretch the opposition and create opportunities from the flanks. While effective at times, this approach has also exposed vulnerabilities, particularly when the team faces high-pressing opponents who disrupt their build-up play.

Looking ahead, the question remains: how sustainable is this midfield setup without Olmo? The upcoming clash against Atalanta in the Champions League will be another test. With qualification for the knockout stages already secured, Flick has the luxury of experimenting with formations and personnel. However, the real challenge will come in domestic fixtures, where every point matters in the tightly contested La Liga race.

For Barcelona, Olmo’s return cannot come soon enough. His creativity and tactical intelligence are irreplaceable, and his presence will undoubtedly elevate the team to new heights. Until then, the squad must continue to adapt, finding ways to grind out results while keeping their long-term goals in sight.

References: Barca won’t riski Olmo against Atalanta as comeback delayed