Michael Olise could return to a role at the World Cup that he rarely gets to play at FC Bayern. In France’s second group stage match against Iraq, there are strong indications that the Bayern star will start in the center.
At the German record champions, Olise plays almost exclusively on the wing. Things could look different for France: As several French media outlets report, the attacking player is expected to start as the number 10 in the upcoming match against Iraq.
Specifically, L’Équipe, among others, reports that Olise took the central role in the presumed starting lineup during coach Didier Deschamps’ team’s final training session. Ousmane Dembélé is expected to start on the right wing, a position the Bayern star usually plays. Bradley Barcola is expected on the left, while Kylian Mbappé rounds out the Les Bleus attack up front.
Olise already shone in the center against Senegal
Olise’s particular strength in the center was already evident in the opening victory against Senegal (3-1). When he was moved from the right wing to the center, he immediately provided two assists and shaped the French team’s play.
The position aligns with his own preferences. Just recently, Olise explained in an interview that he prefers to play centrally. “This role offers more freedom. That’s where I played as a youth player. That’s why it feels most natural to me,” he said. He has frequently played the number 10 position for France—but almost never for FC Bayern. There, the technically gifted player usually plays on the right wing, from where he can repeatedly cut inside and create danger.
If the reports prove true, Désiré Doué would have to make way in the starting lineup. In addition to Barcola, Lucas Digne and Manu Koné are also considered potential alternatives for France’s lineup.