Spanish Media: Coach Must Decide Between Olmo or Pedri for Germany Clash

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Dani Olmo’s impressive performance against Georgia has sparked a debate about whether he should replace Pedri in the starting lineup against Germany.

During this training camp, apart from Aymeric Laporte’s injury, which briefly became a focal point, everything else has been calm within the Spanish team. Now that Laporte is fully recovered, attention turns to a new tactical dilemma for coach Luis de la Fuente: should there be a change in the starting eleven?

Following the match against Georgia, the media has been discussing the possibility of Olmo earning a starting spot. Initially considered a regular starter, Olmo’s late-season injury affected his preparation for the camp. Meanwhile, Pedri, determined to arrive in top form, might have impacted De la Fuente’s initial plans. Despite strong performances against Croatia and Italy, Pedri struggled against Georgia, failing to control the tempo and was eventually substituted.

De la Fuente’s tactics for the Germany clash are now crucial. Olmo, not only proficient as an attacking midfielder, can also play as a false nine, a role in which he excelled against Italy in the 2021 Euros semi-final. However, this could mean benching Alvaro Morata, who is more effective in direct duels with strong center-backs like Germany’s Antonio Rüdiger. Morata came off the bench to score a vital goal against Germany in the World Cup in Qatar.

It’s worth considering Pedri’s impact as a substitute. While Olmo offers more attacking prowess, Pedri has shown at Barcelona that he can make a significant difference when coming on as a substitute. Regardless, the debate over midfield options has injected fresh energy into Spain’s training camp in Donaueschingen. The tranquil atmosphere contrasts with the youthful team’s vitality and confidence, as they eagerly anticipate scripting a memorable Euro campaign.