FC Barcelona are set to take on Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday in a bid to make it four out of four wins. If that happens, it will be a dream start to the Hansi Flick era, something even he might not have imagined.
The German has got his team playing an attack-minded brand of football that is fast, pacy, and intense. His team just doesn’t stop pressing irrespective of the situation of the game and has an exciting verticality about them.
Against Rayo Vallecano in their previous League encounter, Barcelona were second-best for much of the first half. Showing his tactical nous and proactive nature, Flick took Ferran Torres off for Dani Olmo and that decision changed the game.
The €60m-rated Spaniard coming on for his debut looked at home from the first minute he was on the pitch and emerged as Barcelona’s match-winner. He was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match for his overall contribution.
As per SPORT, Olmo is in line for his first start in his Barcelona career against Valladolid tomorrow. Alejandro Balde is expected to accompany him in the starting XI after being rested from the start against Rayo.
Elsewhere, Marc Casado is expected to come in to replace the injured Marc Bernal, who will miss the rest of the season. He will be accompanied by Pedri in midfield who will be making his third straight start after coming off the bench in the first game.
There isn’t much information on what the attack will look like. Lamine Yamal is due for a rest having played from the start in all three games so far and this might see Raphinha shift to the right and Ferran Torres operate from the left.
Having made such an eye-catching debut the other night, the expectations will be high for Olmo to deliver against Valladolid. It remains to be seen if he can have the same kind of impact to further strengthen his place in the hearts of the Barcelona faithful.
