Logically named man of the match, the French international did not produce a dazzling first act either. But repositioned in the center after the break, the same position where he had displayed all his ease with the French team during the 2026 World Cup this summer, he then delivered a real recital.
After landing a marvelous free kick on Harry Kane’s head on the hour mark and causing defender Bjortuft to receive a red card, the former Crystal Palace playmaker scored a double at the very end of the match, scoring a first goal with a marvelous strike at the start of the last five minutes before doubling the lead in added time (90th+2), scoring his fifth goal of the season in the process. A complete performance which confirms his place among the serious contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, awarded next October.
Still as uncomfortable in front of microphones
But if Olise shines with the ball, the media exercise remains a real test for him. Not sure, moreover, that he was delighted to be named man of the match, a distinction which requires the recipients to appear in front of the broadcasters’ cameras to advance to the question-and-answer game.
Asked by DAZN just after the final whistle about the unreal trajectory of his first goal, the Frenchman responded in an even more detached tone than usual.
” I don’t know. I shoot, and it ends up at the bottom, or not. I’m not the only one who scores goals. I don’t think so. » An extremely concise statement, delivered with a disconcerting calmness which somewhat frustrated the journalist in search of reactions. Imperturbable on the field and impervious to the media rabble off it, Michael Olise let his football speak for him.
