Michael Olise put forth the solid type of performance in the 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals that Bayern Munich have come to expect with just how good he’s been for them ever since joining from Crystal Palace. While the French winger didn’t get himself on the scoresheet at the Bernabéu, he was a constant threat for Real Madrid to try to deal with an he beautifully teed up Harry Kane for Bayern’s second goal of the match right at the start of the second half.
In addition to his assist, he registered four shots, two of which were on frame and saved, recorded 82 touches, played two key passes, played forty-one accurate passes, won four dribbles, and quite arguably should’ve won a penalty right at the death for Bayern after Alvaro Carreras collided into his back in the box, but referee Michael Oliver was not convinced. It was a performance indicative of everything Olise brings to the table for Bayern; confidence in possession, the ability to get around defenders with ease, incredible spatial awareness, innate passing ability, and the Arjen Robben-esque ability he has to cut in on to his left foot from the right flank to get shots off.
After the match, French compatriot Thierry Henry spoke very highly of Olise on the CBS Sports Golazo network. The former Arsenal and France striker knows Olise well from his time managing the French U-21 side and has had the experience of working with him at a very close level, getting to know him quite well. “Michael is not like other players. He might be shy when you hand him a microphone, but he has a specific mindset, a certain vision of life and a vision of the game to match,” Henry enthused (via @iMiaSanMia).
“When he gets the ball, he sees things that few others can. He perceives the game differently; he sees it more with his brain than his eyes. He tries to imagine what might happen as soon as the ball leaves the goalkeeper. You have to anticipate what’s coming next,” Henry continued.
Part of what makes Olise so likeable is his humble demeanor. As Henry alluded to, he’s not a man of many words when he’s speaking to the press, but that’s certainly not for a lack of character on and off the pitch. He might still like to be bold with some of his fashion choices, but there’s no flash or arrogance in his speaking or posture, he does all of his talking on the pitch.
“We all know he can dribble. Нe has his own way of looking at the game and life. That’s why people off the pitch sometimes don’t understand him. But he’s a pleasant guy, a great guy. He doesn’t say much off the field, but when he has the ball, he speaks very well through his play,” Henry summarized in what is a rather accurate depiction of the type of player Olise is.
