Dani Olmo defends Pedri and Yamal ahead of World Cup quarterfinal

Ahead of Spain's World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium, midfielder Dani Olmo addressed the media, defending the form of teammates Pedri and Lamine Yamal and highlighting the team's collective defensive effort.

Olmo praised Pedri as indispensable, calling him "a spectacle to watch every day in training and play" Source: lavanguardia. He rejected suggestions that Pedri had not stepped up, stating that the Canary Islander "gives us a lot with and without the ball" and is a player "you need on the pitch" Source: infobae. Regarding Lamine Yamal, Olmo noted the winger's growing confidence despite not scoring or assisting: "With his dribbling and his mere presence, he attracts two or three opponents and creates spaces for others" Source: abces.

On his own career, Olmo acknowledged a recurring pattern: "In my career I've always had to prove what I'm capable of… but it's not a problem" Source: lavanguardia. He said he feels fully ready for the quarterfinal, which he considers among the three most important matches of his career alongside the Euro final and the Champions League semi-final Source: lavanguardia.

Spain's impressive run of clean sheets was another topic. Olmo attributed it to collective effort: "We are a team that attacks and defends together. The coach always says the first defender is the striker" Source: abces. He congratulated goalkeeper Unai Simón on his record but stressed the team is focused on winning, not records.

Finally, Olmo highlighted the importance of squad depth: "The coach emphasizes the role of those who play less and those who come off the bench to solve matches. That's the key to success" Source: abces.