Arsenal star William Saliba can’t get enough of his France teammate Michael Olise, hailing the Bayern Munich ace as a “technical leader” who brings “a bit of madness” to the French camp.
Speaking ahead of France’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, Saliba was full of admiration for the 23-year-old winger who’s lighting up Europe.
“He’s one of the technical leaders,” Saliba said. “He brings a bit of madness to this team because he’s above average technically. He’s a cool guy, he’s funny. He can be a bit nonchalant sometimes, but he’s a very good player and he’s going to bring even more to this team given his quality.”
Olise’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering he once rejected Arsenal. As a talented seven-year-old, he trained with both the Gunners and Chelsea before choosing the Blues, a decision that would shape his entire career.
“Michael was also training with Arsenal then, but he probably lived closer to Chelsea,” former coach Sean Conlon recalled. “They had a great academy, so he ended up signing for them.”
After being released by Chelsea and enduring a rough spell without a club, Olise bounced back at Reading, dazzling his way to the Championship spotlight. His brilliance earned him a move to Crystal Palace, where he bagged 16 goals and 25 assists in 90 games, plus a stunning Goal of the Season winner against Manchester United.
A £51 million switch to Bayern Munich soon followed, and he’s been on fire ever since. With 25 goals and 29 assists in 65 appearances, Olise has helped Bayern reclaim their Bundesliga crown and cemented himself as one of Europe’s most electrifying talents.
Even his former Palace mate Jean-Philippe Mateta couldn’t resist singing his praises.
“He’s a good guy, very technical, very smart, and always makes the right decision,” Mateta said. “What he’s been doing at Bayern is fantastic, and he’s even improved his French!”
Olise could’ve been pulling the strings at the Emirates, but instead, he’s dazzling for France and Bayern. And if Saliba’s words are anything to go by, the “mad” magician’s best is yet to come.
