World Cup
Olmo: 'The time has come' for Spain's World Cup push
Dani Olmo has declared the moment has arrived for Spain at the World Cup after his impactful cameo against Saudi Arabia. The Barcelona midfielder started Spain’s second group-stage clash and delivered a performance that shifted the team’s attacking rhythm. Olmo’s inclusion in the starting XI against Saudi Arabia marked a clear tactical shift, with Spain dominating possession and creating more chances.
The 29-year-old reflected on his career journey in a recent interview, recalling the emotional departure from Barcelona at 16 to play abroad. “I don’t know if I cried or not (laughs), but it was certainly tough,” Olmo said. “Leaving at sixteen years old for a new country and a new club is no easy thing.” He described how the experience shaped his resilience and ambition, emphasizing that hard work and effort drove his return to Barcelona.
Olmo addressed his current form, stating he does not consider himself at his peak but remains focused on continuous improvement. “I don’t think I’m at the peak because a person can always improve,” he said. “When I left Barcelona at sixteen, my dream was to return one day. That dream came true thanks to hard work and great effort.” He framed his return as the start of a new chapter rather than the closure of an old one.
Tactically, Olmo detailed how he studies the game, both in attack and defense, a habit developed with his father and brother from a young age. “When I’m off the field, I try to read the open spaces, especially those where I can position myself or attack when we have possession of the ball,” he explained. He credited Luis Enrique’s influence for shaping his positional freedom, particularly when playing alongside Pedri and Jordi Alba.
Under Luis de la Fuente, Olmo now operates deeper in midfield, a role that suits his strengths and allows him to dictate play. “As for now with Luis de la Fuente, I play more in depth, and he gives me the freedom I need to show the best of what I have,” he said. His adaptability has been evident in Spain’s recent matches, where he has anchored transitions and linked play effectively.
Reflecting on his partnership with Pedri, Olmo praised the ease of their understanding, both at Barcelona and with the national team. “Playing with Pedri is very easy,” he said. “The last match showed that we’re perfectly in sync. And we’ve proven that in Barcelona too.” Their chemistry has been a key factor in Spain’s midfield dominance during the tournament.
Olmo also spoke about his grounded nature, highlighting a spontaneous celebration after Barcelona’s league title win. “This is how I consider myself,” he said. “I was with Inigo, Pedri, and Eric, while Ferran couldn’t attend. We rented bikes because the streets were full.” He emphasized his preference for simple, everyday moments over grand gestures.
On the possibility of replicating such celebrations after a World Cup win, Olmo expressed his desire. “I wish for that, I really do,” he said. “I see myself there. And I’ll definitely motivate my teammates.” His humility and ambition remain central to his identity as a player and leader.
The Barcelona midfielder also addressed the uncertainty surrounding his initial registration at the club. “They were strange and difficult moments because of the state of uncertainty,” he recalled. “I had complete confidence that the club would find a solution, and that’s exactly what happened.” His trust in Barcelona’s process underscored his long-term commitment to the project.