Barcelona had made a good start to the season, up until back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla right before the international break. But for one of their players, the entire campaign has largely been a struggle.

Dani Olmo had a solid first season back at Barcelona during the 2024-25 season, as he registered 12 goals and six assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. However, he was expected to kick on during the ongoing campaign, but so far, he has not been able to do so.

Olmo has been available for every match Barcelona have played this season, starting five of them. But this performances have not been at their best, and as per Sport, he has recognised this himself.

In those 10 appearances, Olmo has only mustered one goal and two assists, while his overall play has also been under-par. He has been afforded a consistent run in the starting line-up in recent weeks due to Fermin Lopez, his direct competitor for the number 10 spot, picking up a hip injury. But despite this, he has been unable to put together a string of consistent displays, which will infuriate him and head coach Hansi Flick.

Olmo needs to step up in order to ensure Barcelona stay

Barcelona spent big on Olmo to bring him back to the club in 2024, and he has been seen as one of the leaders of the attack alongside Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. However, there is every chance that he gradually loses prominence within Can Barca if he does not step up his level over the coming months, and it could even lead to the club considering his future, given that they need to continue raising funds to sort out their well-documented financial issues.

Fermin’s return after the international break means that Olmo will be back to sharing the attacking midfield position, and if he wants it for himself again, he will know that he needs to step up his performances.