Barcelona's Dani Olmo has made a compelling argument to start as a false-nine against Atletico Madrid after his recent performance in the derby. Manager Hansi Flick faces decisions regarding the number nine position, especially considering Robert Lewandowski's lackluster showing in their last encounter.
Barcelona star makes a strong case to start vs Atletico Madrid after derby display
Barcelona star makes a strong case to start vs Atletico Madrid after derby display
Several questions plague Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s mind ahead of tomorrow’s game against Atletico Madrid, one of which is around the number nine position.
In the recent league clash between the two teams, the manager started Dani Olmo as a false-nine, and there is a strong case for the Spaniard to play in the same position once more.
Then, there is the player who started in the first leg of the UCL quarterfinal against the same opponent – Robert Lewandowski – who failed to make a major impact.
The ‘Shark’ option
As relayed by AS in a recent update, Ferran Torres has now stepped up and handed Flick a good reason to see him as a realistic option to start on Tuesday night.
The player was on his second-worst goal-scoring streak up until very recently and had not found the back of the net in 14 games since late January.
Ferran smiling again. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Against Espanyol at the weekend, however, he netted a brace and put an end to that poor record, putting his hand up as a versatile option once more.
A major part of Barcelona’s plan tomorrow will revolve around the press and the team’s work rate off the ball, and that is a department where Torres can surpass Lewandowski.
What they also need, however, is clinical finishing – something the Spaniard is not consistently known for but can produce on his night.
Flick will make his final decision after taking into account his tactics for the big game and what he sees in training.
What is certainly the case, however, is that Torres remains an option for the manager – something that could not have been said had he not stepped up at the weekend.
Q&A
Why is Dani Olmo being considered to start against Atletico Madrid?
Dani Olmo is being considered to start due to his strong performance in the recent derby, showcasing his effectiveness in the false-nine role.
What challenges does Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick face before the match against Atletico Madrid?
Hansi Flick is grappling with key decisions regarding the number nine position, particularly whether to start Olmo or Lewandowski, who underperformed in their last match.
How did Robert Lewandowski perform in the previous match against Atletico Madrid?
Robert Lewandowski failed to make a significant impact in the first leg of the UCL quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid, raising questions about his starting position.
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