After starting the season in their respective championship, the internationals are back with their national team this week for this first major international break. The French team, eliminated in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 by Spain, returned to the pitch this Friday evening to face a historic rival, Italy, which is still going through a dark period of reconstruction under the leadership of Luciano Spalletti. This first day of the Nations League was an opportunity to see the Blues again, including some new ones. Among Didier Deschamps’ new attractions, Michael Olise, who signed with Bayern Munich during the last transfer window, was a starter this Friday evening at the Parc des Princes to celebrate his first selection with his country of origin. Unsurprisingly, the spotlight was on the native of Hammersmith near London.
Initially announced on the right flank of the French attack, the former Crystal Palace nugget was finally placed in a hybrid role, sometimes in the axis with a number 10 role behind Kylian Mbappé due to the last-minute absence of Randal Kolo Muani, but mainly on the right flank as a striking winger. Indeed, on several occasions, Olise moved to the side, leaving the midfield to Antoine Griezmann who thus numerically replaced the PSG striker, who was ill. Didier Deschamps had also widely praised the versatility at the beginning of the week during a press briefing in front of journalists: “Playmaker? He can, he has the ability to play multiple positions. In his usage last season, the one he had with Henry. He can play on both sides even if he feels better on the right. He has that ability and the volume in controls and passes. He is a young player who has taken steps forward, there is great potential.”
Sparks that give hope
It is never easy to play your first match with your national team, but in this little game, Michael Olise did very well. His start to the match was simply prodigious. Fast, technical and explosive, the former Crystal Palace player brings ingredients that have been sorely lacking in the French team for several seasons, especially with the too irregular physical condition of Ousmane Dembélé. If the experience is obviously not comparable, the summer recruit of Bayern brings more serenity to the finish than the winger of PSG, who sorely lacks efficiency and realism in the final move. When Kylian Mbappé found him in the axis, he perfectly attempted his shot 25 meters from the goal with a certain power and precision but unfortunately Gianluigi Donnarumma was watching. In the collective quagmire of the French team, Olise knew how to stand out by showing himself to be almost unique and indispensable in his style.
For several months now, French football (journalists, supporters, former stars) has been demanding to see Michael Olise in the A team. Thierry Henry even campaigned for his rapid development: “He is a player of really enormous quality and he wants to play for France. It must be underlined. He decided to play for us, knowing that he was not going to the Euro.”said the coach of the French Olympic team. Now called up, Olise will have to shine with Bayern Munich but there is no doubt that the Bundesliga, which generally suits French attacking players very well, will allow him to acquire more experience and thus also glean consistency. Beyond the technical aspect, Michael Olise also distinguished himself in his ability to keep the ball, winning seven of his eleven duels. He only lost nine balls and caused three Italian fouls. His baggage is already well stocked and when we see the shadow of the crisis hanging over the Blues, there is no doubt that newcomers like Olise will have to seize their chance. To be confirmed against Belgium.
