Fermín López insists Barcelona's No.10 battle with Dani Olmo is healthy rivalry

One of the most fiercely contested positions in Hansi Flick's star-studded Barcelona side is the coveted No.10 role, and the two men fighting it out for those starting rights have now lifted the lid on their duel.

Fermín López, who has edged ahead of Spanish compatriot Dani Olmo in the early stages of the campaign, has spoken openly about how he and his teammate navigate the competition for places in Catalonia's capital.

To this point in the season, the 23-year-old has earned five starts to Olmo's three, and has repaid Flick's faith with an impressive haul of six direct goal contributions. But with a squad as deep as Barcelona's, nothing is guaranteed week to week.

Speaking during an interview with Mundo Deportivo this week, López was drawn on the competition for the attacking midfield berth and explained how the two players approach it.

"Dani and I know what it's like at Barça, that there's competition. The manager knows it too; it's very difficult for him. He has to choose a starting eleven every weekend, but he and I get along very well. He's one of the guys I get along with best on the team. So, in the end, it's a competition between us; the manager decides who plays, and we try to do our best for each other."

The comments paint a picture of a healthy internal rivalry at the heart of Barcelona's midfield — one where mutual respect, rather than resentment, defines the relationship between two players pushing for the same shirt.