Michael Olise is currently delighting not only the fans of FC Bayern, but also the whole of France. After his spectacular treble in the World Cup dress rehearsal against Northern Ireland, national coach Didier Deschamps heaped praise on the attacking player and provided interesting insights into his development at Les Bleus
With three goals in the 3:1 win against Northern Ireland, Michael Olise set another exclamation mark just a few days before the start of the World Cup. The Bayern star confirmed his outstanding form and once again underlined why he is now one of the most important players in the French national team
The 24-year-old’s development comes as no surprise to national team coach Didier Deschamps
In an interview with the French sports newspaper L’Équipe, the world champion coach raved about his attacking player. „He has played outstandingly well this season, both at Bayern and with us. He is brimming with confidence and is incredibly decisive. He also has a remarkable willingness to run. We need a Michael at this level,“ explained Deschamps
From quiet talent to key player
What is particularly remarkable is the speed with which Olise has made himself indispensable in France
The competition in the Équipe Tricolore’s attack is enormous: with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram and Maghnes Akliouche, France has one of the strongest attacking lines in the world
Nevertheless, Olise has earned himself a regular place
After 17 international appearances and seven goals to date, the Bayern star is now a permanent fixture in Deschamps‘ team
His start was not entirely smooth: „Hats off to him, he came to us after a good Olympic Games. It took him a while, four or five games, to thaw out because, as you know, he is rather introverted,“ revealed the French national coach
Deschamps relies on personal talks
It is precisely because of his reserved personality that the coaching team has been particularly supportive of the attacking player. „But he is very likeable. We try to support him through conversations,“ explained Deschamps
This work seems to have paid off in the meantime: „He is developing magnificently, he has done everything he can to reach this level,“ praised the 57-year-old
These statements are an impressive indication of the status Olise now enjoys in France. The Bayern star is no longer just perceived as a talented winger, but as a potential difference-maker at the highest level
Olise should carry France far
After his gala against Northern Ireland, the focus is now on the World Cup
France kick off the tournament against Senegal on 16 June, followed by group matches against Iraq and Norway. Many experts believe that the French are once again among the biggest title contenders
With Michael Olise in this form, the chances increase even more
FC Bayern are also likely to be delighted with his recent performances. While Real Madrid continue to dream of signing the Frenchman, the 24-year-old is providing new arguments week after week as to why Munich consider him unsellable
After his treble against Northern Ireland, Didier Deschamps no longer seems in any doubt that Olise will play a central role at this World Cup.