Olmo takes charge as Spain and France compete for a spot in the Euro final.

Olmo takes charge as Spain and France compete for a spot in the Euro final.

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Dani Olmo © Getty Images

Although Dani Olmo did not begin the 2024 European Championship as a member of Spain's first-choice squad, the three-time champions' outcome will be greatly influenced by him.

The 26-year-old RB Leipzig attacking midfielder replaced the injured Pedri against Germany early on in the quarterfinal and contributed to both of Spain's goals in a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory.

In a brilliant performance in Stuttgart, Olmo scored the first goal and set up Mikel Merino for the second. On Tuesday, he will start the semifinal match against France.

Barcelona's Pedri was a fit and productive player when the group stage began, so De la Fuente chose him over Olmo to be the team's main creator.

Technically gifted Olmo has also played on the left for Spain in the past, but this summer, Nico Williams, an explosive winger for Athletic Bilbao, has shown that he is unstoppable.

Instead, Olmo waited patiently for his chances to come and made sure he took them, firstly in Spain's third group-stage match against Albania.

They won 1-0 and Olmo impressed, setting up Ferran Torres for the only goal of the game.

"Dani Olmo is a superb player, a fantastic footballer, I really value him," said De la Fuente.

"He thinks about the team more than himself as an individual."

The versatile playmaker tucked away Spain's fourth in the last-16 romp over Georgia as a substitute and when he stepped in for Pedri against Germany after just eight minutes, he needed no time to acclimatise to the pace of the game.

Olmo forced a good save from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer before breaking the deadlock with a clinical finish after 51 minutes.

The midfielder then curled in a dangerous ball for Merino to head home when the game seemed set for the lottery of penalties.

'BRING ON THE SEMIS'

After winning player of the match, Olmo remarked, "I am tired but I am so proud of the fantastic team we have, how we fought to the end, it is incredible, I am so happy."

"The most important thing is that it is everyone's tournament; this victory is for (Pedri) and everyone, and let us move on to the semifinals."

Pedri suffered a knee sprain after a robust tackle by veteran Germany midfielder Toni Kroos and will be out for the remainder of the tournament.

De la Fuente has kept all his squad on-side and ready to contribute, and Olmo is the best example of how that has paid off.

Pedri is not the only regular starter De la Fuente is missing for the semifinal clash against Les Bleus in Munich.

Right-back Dani Carvajal was sent off late in extra time against Germany and Robin Le Normand is also suspended.

Nacho Fernandez and Jesus Navas are the most likely candidates to fill in and the coach said he has full belief in any of his squad.

"I have 26 top players who are competitive for these matches, if one is absent, another will play," he explained.

"This group has exceptional human and footballing qualities. I know they won't let me down."

Olmo certainly did not against Germany, although his Berlin-born partner might have a different opinion.

Didier Deschamps' dull but durable France have proven hard to break down thus far, conceding just one goal in five matches, the best record out of the four semifinalists.

Olmo's task is to assist Spain, who are the top scorers, in breaking down the blue wall and advancing La Roja to the Berlin final on July 14. 

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