Is Barca losing on an important requirement with Dani Olmo’s arrival?
FC Barcelona have completed their long-lived, dream signing of the transfer window, Dani Olmo. Though the player’s capabilities can’t be doubted, given his sensational performances that contributed to Spain’s invincible Euro triumph, the Spaniard’s high transfer fee of €47 million fixed and €13 million in add-ons hasn’t come easy for the club.
Moreover, considering the player’s frequent injuries, which had him sidelined for the majority of the last three campaigns with Leipzig, Barcelona’s enthusiasm to acquire him for such a massive fee raises eyebrows. One such concern has been raised by the journalist Achraf Ben Ayad.
Representing his views on Olmo’s marquee signing, Ben Ayad said,
“”Dani Olmo is a good signing, and Nico would be too. But where is the defensive midfielder?””
– Achraf Ben Ayad
Not only this, the known journalist criticized the Catalan club’s excitement for Olmo and told the need for a pivot signing; he said,
“”A pivot should be an absolute priority. The same thing is going to happen now. We get excited after the Gamper game and then receive a massive blow in La Liga and UCL.””
– Achraf Ben Ayad
Analyzing from a neutral perspective, even though Barcelona’s excessive excitement for the Dani Olmo signing could be questioned and his fee might be an issue, it is true that the need for a defensive midfielder isn’t a big issue. Owning some of the best young defensive midfielders, in Marc Bernal and Marc Casado, the pivot position seems well.
Considering the standout performances from the Bernal-Casado duo and given their coordination and support for each other, they are sure to be the next big thing in Barca’s history. With the duo possessing the talent to amaze even the likes of legendary midfielder Thiago and the boss Hansi Flick himself, much can be expected from them.
Casado and Bernal are set to accommodate Flick’s double-pivot system in Barca’s opener against Valencia. Moreover, having options like Ilkay Gundogan, De Jong, Pedri, and even Gavi, the Blaugrana club boasts significant players for the esteemed role. Possessing such a significant catalog of talented superstars, the club doesn’t look in a situation to stress upon.
Overall, Barca doesn’t seem to be losing on the requirement of a defensive midfielder, with players like Casado and Bernal who seem built for the same. FC Barcelona hopes that the duo performs to their best in the upcoming campaign, playing a crucial part in Barca’s strive for European glory.