Dani Olmo Rates Liverpool’s Luis Diaz & Nico Williams

Dani Olmo has lifted the lid on his recent holiday encounter with Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and offered an insider’s view on why both the Colombian and Athletic Club sensation Nico Williams are high on Barcelona’s summer wish list.

Dani Olmo on Why Barça Want Luis Diaz

The Spain international explained that his conversation with Diaz was as relaxed as the sun-drenched setting in which it took place, yet full of mutual respect. “Luis is a world-class winger,” Dani Olmo said, noting the Colombian’s direct dribbling, explosive first step and relentless work rate. According to Olmo, those attributes dovetail perfectly with Barcelona’s traditional need for width and flair. Xavi’s side is seeking a left-sided attacker who can beat defenders one-on-one and press aggressively without the ball, and Diaz fits the brief almost to a tee.

Backing Up the Praise With Statistics

Olmo pointed to Diaz’s output since joining Liverpool—13 goals and five assists last term despite an injury-interrupted year—as evidence of his suitability for La Liga’s technical rhythm. The winger’s average of 5.2 progressive carries per 90 minutes also caught Olmo’s analytical eye. “Numbers confirm what you already feel when you play against him,” he added.

Assessing Nico Williams as an Alternative

The Barça playmaker was equally enthusiastic about international colleague Nico Williams, calling him “electric” and highlighting the 21-year-old’s understanding with younger brother Iñaki on Bilbao’s left flank. Dani Olmo stressed that Nico’s eight assists and seven goals in 2023-24 demonstrate end-product to go with his pace. Crucially, Nico’s €58 million release clause is viewed inside Camp Nou as an achievable fee, while Liverpool would likely demand a far higher figure for Diaz.

Financial Factors at the Camp Nou

With Financial Fair Play restrictions still looming, Barcelona’s hierarchy must balance ambition against prudence. Olmo acknowledged that reality: “Quality costs money, but Barça have always found a way to bring in the players who elevate the club.” Sources close to the sporting department indicate that Nico Williams, due to his La Liga experience and attainable clause, may currently sit atop their shortlist—yet Diaz’s proven Premier League pedigree keeps him firmly in the conversation.

Dani Olmo’s Role in the Recruitment Puzzle

Because Dani Olmo trained at La Masia before moving to Dinamo Zagreb and later RB Leipzig, he understands the tactical nuances Barça demand. His words therefore carry weight in the corridors of power at the club. While Olmo insists he was “simply chatting football, not negotiating,” insiders suggest his endorsement could help sway decision-makers. Xavi values dressing-room chemistry, and the fact that Olmo and both targets share mutual respect is seen as a bonus.

How Diaz and Williams Compare Tactically

• 1v1 Threat: Diaz averages 3.1 successful dribbles per game; Nico posts 2.8.
• Crossing & Creativity: Williams delivers 1.9 key passes per 90, marginally edging Diaz’s 1.6.
• Defensive Work: Diaz records more pressures in the final third, aligning with Barça’s high-press blueprint.
Olmo argues that either man would inject the “verticality” Xavi craves, but the slight stylistic differences might determine which profile best complements existing forwards Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

What This Means for Barcelona’s Summer Window

Sporting director Deco is known to be prioritising a winger, a pivot and a left-back. With budget constraints, the club is unlikely to sign both Diaz and Williams. Rival suitors—including Arsenal and Chelsea—continue to monitor the situation, meaning Barça must act swiftly if they wish to secure either target before pre-season.

Potential Domino Effect at Liverpool and Athletic Club

Should Liverpool entertain offers for Diaz, they would likely accelerate their own pursuit of a wide attacker, with Michael Olise and Federico Chiesa on their radar. Athletic Club, for their part, remain determined to keep Williams beyond 2024 but recognise that meeting his clause would take the decision out of their hands.

Short Opinion

Barcelona face a classic dilemma: proven star or rising talent. My view is that Nico Williams offers a smarter long-term investment given age, cost and La Liga familiarity. Yet if silverware is the immediate goal, rolling the dice on Luis Diaz’s established brilliance could pay instant dividends. Either way, Dani Olmo’s glowing reviews have turned up the heat on Deco to deliver.