Who is Michael Olise? The Crystal Palace star on the radar of the Premier League's elite

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 29 Jul 2023 10:38 BST
3 min read

Michael Olise, Crystal Palace, 2022-23 — © ProShots

The future of Michael Olise is under hot debate, with plenty of Premier League sides in the top six now linked to the Crystal Palace star.

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Born in England, Olise represents France at international level and is viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in the country, particularly after his increased first-team football with Reading in the 2020/21 campaign.

After his brilliant form with the Royals, Palace activated his release clause and he moved to south London. Now he is being eyed by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City, according to reports.

What position does Michael Olise play in?

Olise primarily plays as an attacking midfielder through the centre, but can also play down the right. He is considered to be an advanced playmaker or second striker.

How good is Michael Olise?

The number of teams interested in signing Olise highlights just how far he has come over such a short time.

In the 2019/20 campaign, he made 19 appearances for Reading in the Championship, scoring no goals and recording just one assist. But at Palace, as of the summer of 2023, he played 71 games and scored six goals during that period.

Back in the 2020/21 season, he has made 38 appearances, scoring six goals and laying out 10 assists, alerting Palace to his talent.

At the time, then-Reading manager Veljko Paunovic previously said of Olise: “He’s very talented. In Michael we have seen a lot of progress this year. He is getting more minutes and competition and surrounded by a very good team – a group of leaders.

“Experienced guys and younger ones are supporting him, providing him with a structure and the way we play enables him to shine.

“But we also know with young players it’s about getting the consistency and maturity to compete on the same level in every single game.

“That’s something that will come over time and we’ll enjoy his talent when he is at his best delivering for the team.”

Former Reading defender Matt Mills said, meanwhile, said: “For a player of that age and quality, you’ve got to say he’s worth £30m-£40 million now.”

More recently, Patrick Vieira praised Olise following their FA Cup victory over Hartlepool.

"When you look at the last round and this one, he played well. He can score goals, create chances and he is a special talent," Vieira said to the press.

"He will improve and get better as a player. His work ethic every day has been terrific since he has been at the football club."

What clubs are interested in Michael Olise?

Even when he was at Reading, Chelsea and Man City were linked for a short period of time. Both clubs had him with them when he was a youngster, including Arsenal.

Other clubs include Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Monaco and Napoli.

A return to Man City or Chelsea to prove his doubters wrong would, of course, be desirable for the player, but Palace would do everything to keep hold of him,