I'm not a Backup - Rashford's Barcelona debut sparks rivalry as teammate sends warning to Hansi Flick

Dani Olmo, who arrived at Barcelona last summer as a star acquisition, is currently navigating the challenge of featuring regularly for the defending LaLiga champions.

 Having been hampered by physical issues since his arrival, the Spain international has struggled to find the continuity needed to cement his place as an undisputed starter under manager Hansi Flick. 

After Marcus Rashford’s debut for Barcelona, Olmo has sent a clear message.

The 27-year-old is no longer content with a rotational role and wants to be a protagonist in every match.

This internal pressure is compounded by the emergence of a fierce competitor in the form of Fermín López. 

According to a report by the Catalan newspaper El Nacional, López has been one of the most impressive players of the pre-season, with his intensity, goal threat, and work rate impressing Flick.

 The German coach values these attributes, and many now see the young academy graduate as a serious contender to displace Olmo in the starting XI.

However, this competition appears to be serving as a major motivator for Olmo, who has been visibly more active and confident in recent training sessions. 

He is determined to prove his worth and stop being the 'multi-purpose' player, as El Nacional puts it, to become the essential footballer Barcelona signed him to be.

While Dani Olmo battles to secure his place, the arrival of another high-profile player has added a new dynamic to the Barcelona squad.

 Rashford made his competitive debut for the club in a 3-0 victory over nine-man Mallorca to begin their title defense. 

The highly anticipated debut saw Manchester United’s on-loan forward come on as a second-half substitute in the 69th minute. 

Rashford’s Barcelona debut was far from spectacular, but it was a start, and his presence on the field immediately created a new layer of competition within the squad.

Meanwhile, Olmo’s strong statement of intent suggests he will not be content with a secondary role, especially with Rashford, a fellow attacker, now in the mix. 

This adds a compelling subplot to Barcelona's season, with both players vying for a place in Flick's starting XI.

Barcelona's ambitions this season are immense, and Hansi Flick's vision requires players who can deliver at a consistently high level.