Dani Olmo has been one of the players whose reputation simply rocketed in the last year or so.
And now, after an incredible 2018/19 season for Dinamo Zagreb and even better ongoing 2019/20 campaign with the same team, the young midfielder is starting to attract the attention of some of Europe’s best.
Just recently, he was linked to Manchester City by Calciomercato as they state Pep Guardiola is very interested in bringing the former La Masia graduate to the Etihad.
And this doesn’t really come as a surprise, either.
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Olmo has scored a handful of goals and provided assists across all competitions this season, including two goals and an assist in the Champions League group stage.
Interestingly enough, he also scored a goal against Manchester City on the last matchday of the group stage at the Maksimir stadium.
And seeing other experts’ opinions on the 21-year-old, it really seems like he’s a huge talent just waiting to be snapped up.
Here’s what those in the know have had to say about him…
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager
Let’s start with the man who just might be getting his hands on the Dinamo Zagreb prodigy in the not too distant future.
Guardiola already seems to be a fan of Olmo as he has praised the kid before their big clash in the Champions League, emphasising his talent and claiming he could go on to become a big star.
Here’s what he said in the pre-match press conference, as quoted by Manchester Evening News:
“I said after our home game, it was an incredible surprise. He came from the Barca academy – it’s not easy, he’s one of the best players in the Spain academy, and he’ll come to one of the big clubs in Europe.
“I’m so glad for him, he’s doing so well. The future is in his hands.”
Nenad Bjelica, Dinamo Zagreb manager
Another coach who believes Olmo is destined for greatness is Bjelica, his current gaffer over in the Croatian capital.
He’s been working with the 21-year-old for quite some time now and unfortunately for him and his club, he’s very much aware of the fact Olmo will be on his way out sooner rather than later.
After all, he’s too talented and too good to stay at Dinamo, as per Bjelica’s interview with 24sata, quoted by One Football:
“I think we are just watching his last matches at Dinamo. There are so many offers. In the end, the club and the player will decide together what is best for both sides. He is ready to play for the best clubs in Europe.”
Denis Silva Puig, Olmo’s former La Masia coach
Of course, Olmo’s meteoric rise is not something that should come as a big surprise.
After all, he was perceived as a big talent even when he was still in Catalonia, playing for Barcelona’s youth teams. His former coach, Puig, described the now 21-year-old as a natural-born goalscorer who was bagging goals in every single category.
Here’s what he said about Olmo, as quoted by Bleacher Report:
“He was very good that season with me.
“He was a typical forward, a very good finisher. He scored goals in every age category, and, of course, as a forward, it’s the first thing you notice about him—he has always scored a lot of goals. He understood space well, so he could find room to score. He’s a natural-born goalscorer.”
Verdict
It seems that Man City might be getting a true gem of a player if they manage to land Olmo’s signature.
The 21-year-old surely looks like a player who could go all the way to the top and Dinamo Zagreb could be enjoying their last days with this prolific midfielder.