Michael Olise, a name that has been gaining increasing recognition in football circles, is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents to emerge from England in recent years. Born in England to Nigerian parents, Olise’s journey from youth football to becoming a key figure at Crystal Palace has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and set-piece prowess, Olise has become a player to watch in the Premier League. This article delves into Olise’s career, playing style, and what the future holds for this young star.

Early Life and Career

Michael Olise was born on December 12, 2001, in Hammersmith, London. With a French mother and a Nigerian father, Olise’s background reflects a multicultural mix that often shapes the playing style of footballers. Raised in London, Olise began his football journey at a young age. He joined the Chelsea youth academy at the age of 7, where his talents were quickly recognized. However, his time at Chelsea was relatively brief, as he moved to the Reading academy in 2016, where his career truly began to take off.

Development at Reading FC

At Reading, Olise’s technical abilities stood out from the outset. He made his senior debut for the club at just 17 years old, and his performances immediately caught the attention of scouts from top-tier clubs. Olise’s flair and creativity were evident as he showcased his ability to glide past defenders, deliver precise crosses, and control the tempo of matches from midfield. Over the course of his three years at Reading, Olise developed into one of the club’s most influential players, helping them to secure important victories and rise up the Championship table. 

His breakthrough season came in the 2020/2021 campaign, when Olise scored 7 goals and provided 12 assists, a remarkable return for a midfielder. His performances were integral to Reading’s push for promotion, and the young playmaker’s talent became impossible to ignore.

Premier League Opportunity

After an outstanding stint at Reading, Michael Olise made the move to the Premier League in the summer of 2021, signing with Crystal Palace for a reported fee of £8 million. This move was widely regarded as a significant step in Olise’s career, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level of English football.

Olise’s transition to the Premier League was smooth. He settled into Palace’s dynamic attacking setup under manager Patrick Vieira, who valued Olise’s versatility, vision, and ability to unlock defenses. Despite being a newcomer to the Premier League, Olise’s performances were exceptional, with his impressive dribbling and set-piece deliveries quickly making him a key figure at Selhurst Park.

Early Impressions at Crystal Palace

In his first season at Crystal Palace, Olise quickly made an impact. His ability to provide assists from wide areas and deliver dangerous set-pieces caught the eye of many, and he became an essential part of Vieira’s tactical setup. His maturity and composure on the ball belie his age, and his link-up play with teammates such as Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze allowed Crystal Palace to unlock opposition defenses with ease.

One of Olise’s standout moments came when he scored a stunning free-kick against Leeds United, a goal that demonstrated his technical brilliance. His performances were a key reason why Crystal Palace finished in the top half of the Premier League during the 2021/2022 season.

Playing Style and Strengths

One of Michael Olise’s defining features is his versatility. While primarily an attacking midfielder, Olise is capable of playing in various positions across the attacking third. He is comfortable as a winger, central playmaker, or even as a deep-lying midfielder depending on the tactical needs of his team. This adaptability has made him a valuable asset for Crystal Palace, allowing him to influence games in multiple ways.

Olise is renowned for his technical ability. His dribbling is one of his most impressive skills, as he consistently beats defenders with ease using a combination of close ball control and quick changes of direction. This makes him a threat in one-on-one situations and allows him to create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Set-Piece Specialist: Another key aspect of Olise’s game is his proficiency at set-pieces. Whether it’s taking direct free kicks or delivering dangerous crosses from corners, Olise’s vision and technique make him a constant threat. His free-kick against Leeds United is a prime example of his set-piece mastery, and his ability to pick out runners in the box from wide positions has often led to goals for Palace.

Vision and Creativity: Olise is a naturally gifted playmaker. His vision and passing range allow him to unlock opposition defenses with incisive through balls and crosses. He often drops deep to collect the ball, scan the pitch, and deliver passes that create goal-scoring opportunities. His creativity and flair have earned him comparisons to some of the Premier League’s best playmakers, and his ability to dictate the tempo of a game from midfield has been crucial for Palace.

Work Rate and Defending: While Olise is known for his attacking talents, his work rate is also commendable. He is willing to track back and contribute defensively, particularly in pressing high up the pitch. Although not primarily a defensive player, Olise’s tactical discipline allows him to contribute in both phases of play. His ability to win possession and transition quickly from defense to attack makes him a valuable asset in counter-attacking situations.

Representing France or Nigeria?

Moisés Caicedo, another player with a dual nationality, isn’t the only one caught in a decision regarding which national team to represent. Olise, with his French and Nigerian heritage, faced a similar dilemma. Born in England, Olise had the option of representing both France, the country of his mother’s origin, and Nigeria, the homeland of his father.

However, Olise has been vocal about his desire to represent France at the international level, a decision that has drawn attention from both French and Nigerian fans. As of now, Olise has not yet made a senior international appearance but continues to be closely monitored by both nations’ football associations.

France Under-21s: Olise has represented France at various youth levels, including the Under-21s. His performances for the U21 side have been impressive, and he is considered one of the brightest young talents in the French youth setup. His future with the French senior team looks promising, with many expecting him to be a key player in the coming years.

Potential Move to a Bigger Club?

Given his rising profile and impressive performances in the Premier League, Michael Olise is likely to attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs in the coming years. His combination of technical skill, creativity, and versatility makes him a highly coveted player, and his potential is immense. While Crystal Palace is currently a comfortable fit for him, the allure of playing for a club involved in European competitions could tempt Olise in the future.

Long-Term Success at Crystal Palace

That being said, Olise has the potential to become a cornerstone for Crystal Palace. With Patrick Vieira at the helm, Palace are building a young, exciting team, and Olise could play a central role in that project for years to come. His continued development at Selhurst Park could see him lead the club to greater heights and make them a regular fixture in the top half of the Premier League.

FAQs

Who is Michael Olise? 

Michael Olise is a French-born professional footballer who represents the English national team at youth level. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Crystal Palace. Known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and creativity, Olise is considered one of the most exciting young talents in English football.

What clubs has Michael Olise played for? 

Michael Olise began his professional career at Reading FC, where he came through the youth system and made a name for himself in the Championship. In 2021, he made a high-profile move to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, where he continued to impress with his performances on the wing.

What is Michael Olise’s style of play? 

Olise is known for his flair, quick feet, and intelligent movement. He has excellent dribbling ability and can create chances for his teammates with his precise vision. His low center of gravity and agility make him tough to defend against, and he’s equally dangerous when cutting inside or delivering from the flanks.

What are some of Michael Olise’s best moments in his career so far? 

One of Olise’s standout performances came in the 2021-2022 season when he provided multiple assists and scored several key goals for Crystal Palace. He was particularly praised for his performances in the FA Cup, where he helped lead his team to the semifinals. Olise has also become known for his dazzling assists, with several moments showcasing his impressive playmaking skills.

What are Michael Olise’s future prospects? 

Olise’s future looks bright, with many speculating that he could become a mainstay in the French or English national team in the coming years. He is expected to continue his development at Crystal Palace, but it’s possible that top European clubs may look to sign him if his form continues at such a high level.

In Summary

Michael Olise is one of the most exciting young talents in football today. His impressive dribbling, creativity, and ability to change games make him a key player for Crystal Palace and a rising star in European football. As he continues to develop, Olise has the potential to play at the highest level, with speculation about a future move to a top club or a senior national team call-up.

With his skillset, determination, and growing reputation, football fans can expect even greater things from Michael Olise in the years to come. Whether he stays at Crystal Palace or moves to a bigger club, his journey is one to watch.

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