Legendarni Wenger oduševljen bivšim dinamovcem uoči finala SP-a: 'Olmo je savršen igrač'

Dani Olmo has emerged as a central figure in Spain’s pursuit of their second World Cup title, with many observers declaring him the best player of the tournament so far and one of the most underrated talents in the competition. As Spain prepares to face Argentina in the World Cup final, Olmo's role within the Spanish squad has drawn widespread acclaim, particularly after his standout performances throughout the tournament. The final will mark Spain’s return to the global stage after a decade, having last won the title in 2010. That year, they defeated the Netherlands in extra time with a goal from Andrés Iniesta, a moment etched into the memory of many, including Olmo himself. Now 28 years old, Olmo recalls the experience vividly, describing how he witnessed the entire journey from the opening match to Iniesta’s decisive strike. He is set to take part in a historic occasion, facing off against Lionel Messi, the most prominent star of FC Barcelona and arguably the greatest footballer of all time. Throughout this World Cup, Olmo has been instrumental in Spain’s campaign, drawing praise from both fans and analysts alike. His performances have been described as exceptional, with some media outlets referring to him as “Picasso La Roja,” highlighting his creativity and technical ability on the field. Despite being physically smaller than many of his peers, Olmo has consistently demonstrated his intelligence, movement, and vision, which have made him a key asset for Spain’s midfield. His journey to the top has not been straightforward. Olmo left Spain as a teenager, moving to Croatia to join Hajduk Split before transferring to Dinamo Zagreb. At just 16 years old, he faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, language, and culture. However, the support of his family, particularly his father, who is also a coach, was crucial during this period. Over time, he became a vital part of Dinamo Zagreb, playing 124 matches and scoring 34 goals before making one of the biggest transfers in the club’s history when he moved to RB Leipzig in January 2020. Despite Barcelona’s interest in bringing him back, Olmo remained with Leipzig until returning to Spain in 2024 following the European Championship. Since then, he has become a regular fixture for the national team, showcasing the resilience and competitive spirit he developed in Croatia. This mindset, he once said, reflects the mentality of Croatian sportspeople, who often compete fiercely even when outnumbered. In the quarter-final against Belgium, Olmo further solidified his reputation, delivering a performance that many consider among the best of his career. His ability to control the game, maintain possession, and create opportunities for teammates has been a defining feature of his play. Analysts have noted that his intelligence on the pitch, rather than just goals or assists, sets him apart. Cesc Fàbregas, former Barcelona player and current coach of Girona, praised Olmo as the best player in Spain’s squad, emphasizing his tactical awareness and composure under pressure. German publication Kicker has also highlighted Olmo as potentially the most underrated player at the World Cup, citing his ability to influence games through intelligent movement and timely passes. These qualities have been evident throughout Spain’s run to the final, where they have conceded only one goal, the result of a Belgium strike in the quarter-finals. As the final approaches, attention turns to whether Olmo can replicate the brilliance of players like Iniesta and Xavi, whose contributions were pivotal in Spain’s past successes. With the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders, Olmo continues to prove why he is considered not only Spain’s best player but also one of the most overlooked talents of this World Cup.