One of the more intriguing storylines to watch at Bayern Munich this season could be where Michael Olise ultimately fits into Vincent Kompany’s plans. While the France international has excelled on the wing and quickly established himself as one of Bayern Munich’s most dangerous attacking players, his recent comments suggest that his preferred position might be somewhere else entirely.
When asked which role suits him best, Olise was direct with his response.
“I think it’s at number 10. It’s a slightly
freer role. I grew up playing in the number 10 position. So, for me, it’s a bit more natural. Well, maybe not right now, because I’m playing on the wing today, but I think it’s what feels most natural to me,” Olise told L’Equipe (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
The challenge for Olise is that Bayern Munich already has several players who could make a claim for that coveted role behind the striker. Jamal Musiala remains the club’s premier attacking midfielder and, when healthy, is often viewed as the first-choice option in the No. 10 position. Serge Gnabry has also shown throughout his career that he can operate centrally when needed, giving Kompany another experienced alternative.
Then there is the transfer market. Bayern Munich has been linked with PSV Eindhoven star Ismael Saibari, a player who is also most comfortable in an advanced central attacking role. Should Saibari arrive in Munich, competition for minutes in the middle of the pitch would only become more intense.
Of course, having too many talented attackers is a problem most clubs would gladly accept. Olise has already demonstrated that he can be elite from the wing, and Bayern Munich’s fluid attacking system often allows players to drift into central areas regardless of their starting position.
Still, Olise’s comments provide an interesting glimpse into how he views his own game. If he truly believes the No. 10 role brings out his best qualities, Bayern Munich could eventually face some fascinating decisions about how to deploy one of its brightest stars.
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