Michael Olise
Overview
Michael Olise (born 12 December 2001) is a French-born professional footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder and winger for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the England U-21 national team. Known for his excellent dribbling, creative passing, and precise left-footed kicks, he has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the Premier League from the 2023–24 season onward.
Main Content
Early Life and Youth Career
Olise was born in Paris, France, to a Nigerian father and an Algerian-French mother. Showing talent for football from a young age, he moved to England at the age of seven and joined the Chelsea youth academy. He later went through the youth teams of several clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal, before joining Reading FC's academy in 2016. At Reading, he developed rapidly and made his debut at the age of 16 in 2019, setting a club record as the youngest-ever debutant.
Reading FC Period
In the 2019–20 season, Olise officially joined Reading's first team and played in the Championship (second division). In the 2020–21 season, he became a regular starter, recording 7 goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances, earning recognition as one of the league's best young players. His left-footed crosses and set-piece abilities were key attacking routes for the team, and he attracted interest from several Premier League clubs during the 2021 summer transfer window.
Transfer to Crystal Palace
In July 2021, Olise signed a five-year contract with Crystal Palace, entering the Premier League. The transfer fee was approximately £8 million, which was relatively low at the time but later regarded as a "steal of the century" due to his performances. In the 2021–22 season, he gradually adapted, recording 2 goals and 5 assists. In the 2022–23 season, he recorded 2 goals and 11 assists, leading the team in assists and showcasing his presence with a multi-goal performance against Everton.
2023–24 Season: Breakout
The 2023–24 season was a true breakthrough year for Olise. He missed the early part of the season due to injury but upon return, recorded 10 goals and 6 assists in 19 appearances, rising to the ranks of the Premier League's top attackers. Notably, he recorded attacking points in seven consecutive matches from February to April 2024, and delivered decisive performances against strong teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool. His dribbling breakthroughs, key passes, and creativity in midfield drove Crystal Palace's upward momentum, and Olise was nominated for the PFA Team of the Year.
International Career
Olise was eligible to represent France, England, Nigeria, and Algeria. He chose to play for England's youth teams, featuring for the U-18, U-19, and U-21 sides. He contributed to England's victory in the 2023 UEFA U-21 European Championship, and in 2024, he was highly tipped for a senior team call-up, but injury prevented his participation in UEFA Euro 2024. In September 2024, he received his first call-up to the England senior team but has yet to make his debut.
Playing Style
Olise is a typical left-footed attacker who prefers the role of an inverted winger, cutting inside from the right wing. His main strengths include:
- Dribbling: Excellent ability to beat defenders with quick footwork, stamina, and balance.
- Passing and Vision: Creates scoring opportunities for teammates with creative through balls and crosses.
- Set Pieces: Delivers precise left-footed kicks from free kicks and corner kicks.
- Finishing: From the 2023–24 season onward, his goal-scoring ability has greatly improved, showcasing long-range shots and finishing skills.
Weaknesses include a history of frequent injuries and occasional lapses in concentration during defensive duties.
Latest Trends
Ahead of the 2024–25 season, Olise attracted intense interest from Premier League big clubs. Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United sought his signing, but Crystal Palace demanded a transfer fee of over £60 million and retained the player. In August 2024, Olise signed a new contract with Crystal Palace, committing to the club until 2028 with a significant wage increase. In the early part of the 2024–25 season, he has been playing consistently without injury, recording 3 goals and 4 assists in 8 matches by October, leading the team's push for a mid-table position. Additionally, in November 2024, he was recalled to the England senior team, with his A-match debut considered imminent.
Related Topics
- [[Crystal Palace FC]]
- [[Premier League]]
- [[Match against Everton FC]]
- [[England U-21 national football team]]
- [[2023–24 Premier League]]
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