FC Barcelona is preparing to face Levante next Saturday, in its quest to maintain its lead in La Liga, amidst a tactical dilemma for coach Hans Flick regarding the attacking midfield position, which sees a direct competition between Fermín López and Dani Olmo.

Fermín was chosen to start the match against Real Mallorca after his impressive performance against Como in the Joan Gamper Cup, where he scored two goals and won the Man of the Match award. However, the German coach brought on Olmo in the second half against Mallorca, in an attempt to restore his usual form, and the player came close to scoring after a shot hit the post.

Dani Olmo is considered one of the cornerstones of the sporting project at Barcelona, after the club paid 60 million euros to acquire him from Leipzig. He has been a crucial element in achieving the domestic treble, although injuries have limited his consistency. When fully fit, there was no debate about his starting position.

In the tactical system adopted by Flick, Fermín and Olmo compete for the third midfield position closest to the attack, while it seems that Gavi will compete with both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong for a position closer to playmaking and ball recovery.

Flick is managing this competition between Olmo and Fermín López carefully, to maintain their enthusiasm and high level of performance.

Despite Fermín remaining a direct decision from Flick, the current focus is on the potential sale of Marc Casado, who is attracting interest from other clubs and could bring Barcelona up to 30 million euros. Casado does not want to leave, but his return to the lineup seems difficult, especially with Marc Bernal receiving medical clearance, as he will gradually start integrating into the team, which may completely close the door on Casado as a defensive midfielder.

Flick is expected to retain the same lineup that won against Mallorca, with the only possibility of a change in the attacking midfield position with Dani Olmo coming in for Fermín.