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After Ousmane Dembélé’s disappointing Euro 2024 with Didier Deschamps’ France team, the call-up of Michael Olise, who was excellent with Les Bleus at the Olympic Games, could bring a bit of competition.
The best French player of the summer is not called Kylian Mbappé (author of a single goal at Euro 2024, on a penalty), but probably Michael Olise, still unknown to the general public two weeks ago. The 22-year-old winger from Crystal Palace is shining brightly with Thierry Henry’s French team at the men’s football tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. And the Blues have reached the final of the event (Friday 6 p.m. against Spain) after a stunning victory against Egypt (3-1), after extra time, Monday evening in the immense Groupama Stadium.
Olise preferred not to stop in front of the journalists after the match in the suburbs of Lyon, he, the London native trained at Chelsea and Manchester City who opted for the French selection rather than the English (his mother is French of Algerian origin, his father is Nigerian). He was nevertheless involved in the three French goals of the day: he launched Jean-Philippe Mateta in the middle for the equalizer (83rd) and made a cross from the right which allowed Kiliann Sildillia to put the ball back for Mateta for 2-1 (99th), before scoring the third French goal (108th). Here he is with two goals and three assists in four starts at the Olympics.
Dembélé in danger
Michael Olise will not only change dimension in a few days by joining Bayern Munich, who spent 53 million euros (before bonuses) for this player who would have easily had his place at PSG for example. A certain Ousmane Dembélé can for example worry about the young competition that Olise represents if he is called up by Didier Deschamps to the A team in September, for the first two Nations League clashes against Italy and Belgium. Olise is a dribbling and passing winger and this reminds us that “Dembouz”, author of a very disappointing Euro, is an old-school overflow winger, dependent on the success of his teammates.
The international hopeful had already shone during the second half of the season in the Premier League with the Eagles but he has shown, on an international scale, that he has the talent to be an attacking leader. “Mike” Olise is clearly the X-factor of the French Olympique team, with Manu Koné at number 6, because Lacazette and Mateta are often clumsy in the game. It is up to him to make the difference against La Roja on Friday at the Parc des Princes. Where the next France-Italy match will be played, in a month, on Friday September 6.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
 When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.
