Olmo: “Bundesliga one of the best leagues in the world”

The 21-year-old Spain international joined Leipzig in January from Dinamo Zagreb and has already forced his way into Julian Nagelsmann’s first team.

Olmo started the recent 0-0 draw at title rivals Bayern Munich, playing a pivotal role in his new coach’s tactical masterpiece.

By handing Olmo a first league start in such a crucial match shows just how much faith Nagelsmann has in the attacking midfielder and now he is here, the former Barcelona prodigy is excited to be continuing his development at both a club and in a league where youth thrives.

Watch: Olmo made first league start in Leipzig's 0-0 draw with Bayern

“It is a league that has always attracted me,” he told Spanish newspaper AS. “Now that I'm here, what I want is to try to prove it.

“It is a very physical league, with many changes of pace, many counterattacks, very direct. But you have to adapt. It is one of the best in the world. If you adapt to this you can improve a lot too.”

He will be given the opportunity to do just that under the stewardship of one of world football’s brightest coaches in Nagelsmann, and Olmo explains that the prospect of working with the 32-year-old played a key role in his decision to opt for Leipzig when he had the pick of Europe’s top clubs.

“The sports project they have, they bet on young players and how they work,” he said.

“Also Julian's call and [sporting director Markus Krösche]’s visit to Zagreb made me opt for them. Basically, the interest they had in me. I knew this was the best place to be.

“I’m very happy. They have welcomed me very well, both teammates and the coaching staff. Every day I also continue to learn tactically the things that the coach wants from me. So, little by little, I'm improving and feeling more comfortable in the team.”