Dani Olmo and Fermín López: who will be Barça's attacking midfielder in Levante?

Dani Olmo was not present in the starting XI of LaLiga against RCD Mallorca, with Fermín López being in charge of occupying the role of attacking midfielder. The ‘20’ entered for the player from Huelva in the second half due to a weak performance by the '16' in the first 45 minutes, while the 27-year-old player was more 'fine' in the transfer and possession.

Hansi Flick's technical decision may have been due to the care of the player from Terrassa due to the muscular discomfort he had been suffering since the preseason on the Asian tour. After Fermín's poor performance and Olmo's 100% recovery, it is very likely that the former RB Leipzig player will start against Levante.

Dani Olmo's Return: More verticality for Barça's attack?

Since his arrival to the culé team, the '20' has been a regular in the scheme of coach Flick when he is physically at his best. However, injuries have punished him, missing several important matches last season. In total, the midfielder was out in 18 matches due to various muscular problems.

Despite this, the attacking midfielder managed to score 12 goals and give 7 assists in 39 matches counting all competitions. In the preseason he distributed 2 assists in 3 matches played, being co-leader in that section together with Gerard Martín.

Fermín López and Dani Olmo: intense fight for the starting position!

Fermín, despite his youth, also had a great 2024-2025 season scoring 8 goals and distributing 10 assists in 46 matches. Usually, the player from El Campillo was a regular substitute with Xavi Hernández, but his good performances in Liga and Champions, together with Olmo's physical problems, allowed him to have a lot of prominence last season.

During the preparation in the friendly matches, the 22-year-old youth player scored two goals in 3 matches, regaining the coach's confidence. After his double in the Gamper, Hansi Flick acknowledged that the ‘16’ had recovered the necessary intensity in training to be a starter.

Now, the azulgrana coach has the difficult decision of opting for one of these players for the match against Levante. Everything will depend on the coach's analysis of what he needs in the match and what each player gives him. Fermín provides greater verticality, alternating his position as attacking midfielder with Raphinha. In addition, he has a remarkable mid-range shot.

Olmo, on the other hand, provides an excellent reading of the spaces between the lines with his great vision of the game, generating many dangerous chances and giving key assists. He also understands very well when to move on the field looking to receive near the area when making effective runs.

The ‘20’ also boasts a remarkable definition in one-on-ones, while López has a lot of arrival to the area with timing, a great vertical overflow and capacity to travel, always looking to do damage by exploiting the spaces.

Gavi, the ‘outsider’ in the fight for the position of attacking midfielder of Barça

Another player who is not left out of the fight for the position of attacking midfielder is Gavi, who has already shown that he can play very well in that position. However, the Andalusian has characteristics linked to those of an ‘8’, being more of a natural replacement for Pedri or Frenkie de Jong himself as a pivot.

In that sense, the coaching staff has a “pleasant problem” due to the variety of profiles and physical and technical attributes in their players, with pieces that can contribute unique qualities depending on the context of the match.

The most likely thing is that Olmo will start against Levante, understanding that mobility will be needed, but also patience in the transfer to violate the resistance of a granota team totally folded back, but active on the counterattack. In addition, Fermín's weak first half in Mallorca returns the sale to Dani facing the trip to Valencia.