According to Sport, de la Fuente has already decided on Spain's starting lineup for their opening FIFA World Cup match against Cape Verde, but Olmo may change his plans.
De la Fuente had originally planned for Baena to play on the left wing while Nico Williams regained his best form. However, the in-form Dani Olmo might disrupt his arrangements.
The Spanish number 10 arrives at the FIFA World Cup in top condition after playing 36 matches in 2026. Since scoring a brilliant goal against Espanyol on January 3rd, Dani has played in every official Barcelona match and all four national team friendlies.
Daily training
His physical training has paid off. Olmo has prepared thoroughly both inside and outside Barcelona's training facilities, combined with targeted individual training. Coupled with his regular and quiet family life, this allows him to get enough rest and better recover from the physical demands of matches.
Otherwise, he would not be able to withstand the rhythm Flick demands in games, let alone play in more demanding positions like attacking midfielder or central midfielder, which require active pressing.
With 50 national team appearances, Dani Olmo has earned the right to wear Spain's number 10 jersey, creating a selection dilemma for de la Fuente.
European Championship memories
In the 2024 European Championship, which Spain won, he was originally Pedri's backup. After Pedri left the quarter-final due to injury, Olmo became a key player, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist against Germany. He scored again in the semi-final against France; and in the final, he cleared a shot off the line in stoppage time, preventing England from equalizing.
At that time, de la Fuente would choose between Pedri and Dani Olmo, rarely playing both simultaneously. But time has shown that not only can they coexist, but they can also bring more quality. Pedri provides an irreplaceable sense of rhythm to the game from the moment he organizes from the back, while Dani can play a more advanced role.
Left-wing vacancy
The left wing is not unfamiliar to him. Even with his weaker foot, he can deliver crosses like the historic goal Morata scored in Stuttgart, and he can also link up with Jordi Alba in the UEFA era, scoring a crucial goal against Georgia.
It is generally believed that Baena will be the player to occupy the left wing. However, Dani Olmo's current form poses a significant challenge for the Spanish coach. Despite Baena's inconsistent performances at Atlético Madrid, de la Fuente praised him for having "national team genes" and being able to adapt well to the Spanish team.
In any case, Dani Olmo's presence benefits the team, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Given his excellent form entering this FIFA World Cup, this is undoubtedly great news for the coach.