Michael Olise: Bayern’s Secret Weapon in the Making – Why They Fought for the Crystal Palace Star

Michael Olise is not your average Premier League player. In fact, when Bayern Munich came knocking for the Crystal Palace winger, it raised a lot of eyebrows. After all, why would a European powerhouse like Bayern, with all their international talent and pedigree, make such a concerted effort for a 22-year-old from a mid-table Premier League club? Well, if you’ve watched Olise in action, you’d know exactly why.

Let’s break it down. Bayern didn’t just want a player who could run around and press like a headless chicken; they wanted someone with flair, vision, and the kind of technical ability that could elevate their attacking play. And, Olise ticks all those boxes with style to spare.

Statistical Snapshot: Premier League 2023/24

• Appearances: 19
• Goals: 10
• Assists: 6
• Minutes Played: 1,277
• Goals per 90 minutes: 0.53
• Goal Involvement per 90 minutes: 0.86
• Dribbles Completed: 57
• Dribbles per 90 minutes: 0.03

The Arsenal of Dribbling and Creativity

First off, let’s talk about his dribbling – and this is where Olise separates himself from the pack. He’s a joy to watch on the ball. Imagine a winger who can ghost past defenders, weaving in and out like a needle threading through fabric. Olise has that ability. At Crystal Palace, he was often their main man in transition, picking the ball up deep, running at defenders, and offering that spark of creativity that made him stand out in a side that didn’t always dominate possession.

Olise’s versatility stood out. Capable of operating as a right-winger, central attacking midfielder, or even as a second striker, his adaptability was a key factor in Bayern’s interest. His dribbling prowess, with 57 successful dribbles in the 2023/24 season, showcased his ability to take on defenders and create space. Additionally, his vision and passing range allowed him to contribute significantly to Palace’s attacking play.

Olise’s dribbling isn’t just about getting past players, though; it’s about the way he does it. He uses a low, controlled centre of gravity, and a deft first touch that makes him look effortlessly smooth. If you watch him play, you’ll notice that he’s not someone who needs to take five or six touches to get past a man. His pace is tricky, not raw speed, so defenders struggle to read his moves. He’s got that unpredictable twist, a bit like how Raheem Sterling used to glide with pace – not in a straight line, but with that “ah, you’re not going to catch me” vibe.

Vision and Passing: The Art of Making It Happen

Now, it’s not just about beating defenders. If you’re going to make it at Bayern Munich, especially as a wide player, you need more than just flair. You need to contribute to the overall build-up and create chances. Olise excels here too. His vision and passing range are spot-on, and this is a major reason why Bayern took the leap. Olise isn’t just any dribbler – he’s a creator. His ability to pick out a pass in tight situations, and more importantly, execute it with precision, is something that will fit perfectly into Bayern’s attacking system.

He has this knack for threading balls through defences that are perfect for a striker or another attacking midfielder to run onto. Think of a Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes type of pass, where it cuts through the defence like a hot knife through butter. Olise is that guy. He can whip in crosses with both feet, from open play or set-pieces, and his delivery is usually spot on. His crosses aren’t just hopeful balls into the box; they’re designed for a specific player to latch onto.

The Modern Winger: Versatility and Tactical Intelligence

Bayern weren’t just buying a typical winger. Olise’s versatility is key. He’s not just your traditional out-and-out wide player; he’s got that modern, hybrid style that the top clubs are obsessed with these days. He’s comfortable coming inside onto his stronger left foot, which opens up space for others or allows him to take a shot at goal. In fact, he’s become a legitimate goal threat from those central areas, linking play, taking on shots from range, and even making those late runs into the box – something Bayern would have seen and thought, “This is the guy we need.”

Defensively, he’s not a liability either. While he’s not the kind of player who will crunch in with tackles, his positioning and work rate off the ball are solid. Olise’s pressing game is improving, and under the tactical tutelage of Bayern’s coaching staff, expect him to develop into a well-rounded player who isn’t just effective in the final third, but also works hard to contribute defensively when his team needs it.

Why Bayern Went All-In for Olise

But why would Bayern go through all that trouble to secure a player from Crystal Palace? It’s simple. Olise is one of those players who’s got the ‘X-Factor’ – the kind of player that makes a difference when it matters. He’s young, he’s got bags of potential, and he already has a proven track record of delivering in the Premier League. Bayern saw something in him that they thought could take their attacking play to the next level, especially when they were looking to replace the aging legs of some of their more established wide players.

Bayern Munich aren’t known for making moves on a whim; they’re tactical, precise, and they don’t waste time. So when they went for Olise, they were clear about his ability to slot into their system. He’s not just a pretty face on the wing – he’s a player that can change a game, provide assists, score goals, and be a nuisance for defenders, while also providing depth and rotation in an already star-studded squad.

Final Thoughts

In short, Bayern didn’t buy Olise because they were bored; they bought him because he brings the complete package that they need to keep evolving as a footballing powerhouse. He’s the kind of player who’ll fit into Bayern’s high-pressing, fast-paced style, while adding that creativity and flair that can win them big matches.

If Olise is given the freedom to express himself on the big stage at Bayern, we could see him rise to prominence as one of the top wingers in Europe. He’s got everything to become a star, and if Bayern’s investment pans out, don’t be surprised if he becomes the next household name in world football.

Fancy a bet on Bayern’s next match with Olise in the squad? Learn how to check out the odds and place your wager today!