Bayern Munich star Michael Olise celebrates his goal for France in the 3-0 victory over the United … [+] States. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Earlier this month, Bayern Munich moved fast to secure Michael Olise in a deal worth €59 million ($63 million), including bonuses from Crystal Palace. On Wednesday, Bayern fans got a first taste of their new signing when France beat the United States 3-0 to open the Olympic soccer tournament in Marseille.
After Alexandre Lacazette gave France the lead (61’), it was Olise’s moment to shine. Lacazette spotted Olise on the edge of the box, and the Bayern winger curled his shot with fantastic precision into the far corner of US goalkeeper Patrick Schulte’s net.
Although Loïc Badé added a third, it was ultimately Olise’s goal that helped France see off a very pesky US team. In fact, Olise was also involved in the first goal, providing a perfect assist ahead of Lacazette’s opener.
An argument could be made that the Bayern winger was the best player on the pitch. Not only would Olise finish the game with one goal and one assist, but his underlying stats were also fantastic. The 22-year-old would win 100% of his one-v-one situations, complete 81% of his passes and have 47 touches. The French winger showed many attributes that motivated Bayern to make Olise the fourth most expensive signing in club history.
“Olise is a difference-maker who has aroused big interest with his style of play,” Bayern director of sport Max Eberl said after the club signed the player from Crystal Palace. “We want new impulses in our team, new energy, new ideas—that’s what players like Michael Olise stand for.”
Bayern Munich signed Michael Olise in a deal worth up to $63 million. (Photo by F. Noever/FC Bayern … [+] via Getty Images)
“Michael is quick, tricky, a goal threat, and very versatile in attack,” added Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund after his transfer. “His goals and assists stats are already outstanding. At 22, Michael is already very advanced but is also hungry and still has a lot of potential. Fans come to the stadium to see players like Michael Olise.”
Those attributes were on full display against the US. Often, Olise would drop back to collect the ball. With head coach Thierry Henry giving him full freedom in the attack, his talent truly shined.
You could imagine what Olise would look like in a Bayern lineup. Imagine Olise linking up with Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, and Harry Kane. With some chemistry, the four could form one of the most dangerous attacks in European football.
Last season, Olise managed 10 goals and six assists in just 19 Premier League games. This season, he has already hit the ground running with his excellent performance for France. Of course, the Olympic Games mean Bayern fans will have to wait a bit to see their new star in a red jersey. But going by France’s opener against the US, the wait will be worth it.
Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth and on Threads: @manuveth
