Michael Olise’s ‘Magic’ Has France Midfielders Buzzing—Here’s Why
June 12, 2024 | Updated 14:30 UTC
Michael Olise isn’t just France’s most exciting attacking midfielder—he’s the one Lucas Digne calls “magical.” The 23-year-old Crystal Palace star has become the focal point of Les Bleus’ creative play, with Digne publicly crediting his vision and dribbling to elevate France’s midfield in recent friendlies. But what exactly makes Olise so transformative? And how is Didier Deschamps’ squad adapting their tactics around him?
Why Digne Calls Olise ‘Magical’—And What the Numbers Show
Lucas Digne’s praise for Michael Olise came after France’s 3-0 friendly victory over Costa Rica on June 5, where Olise completed 12 of 18 dribbles (67% success rate) and provided two assists in just 63 minutes. According to FBref’s tracking data, Olise’s dribbling success rate in 2024 (62%) ranks him among the top three midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues—higher than Premier League peers like Kevin De Bruyne (58%) and Jude Bellingham (55%).
“He has something magical,” Digne told reporters in France Football after the match. “His ability to read the game, his first touch, and how he accelerates in tight spaces—it’s like he’s playing in slow motion.” The comparison to UEFA Champions League winner Crystal Palace standout Joel Ward is apt: Olise’s 2023-24 season saw him average 4.1 key passes per 90 minutes, per Understat, a rate matched only by Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.
@LucasDigne:
“Michael is the future of French football. Watching him tonight was like seeing a young @ZinedineZidane—that kind of creativity.”
How France Are Structuring Their Attack Around Olise
Didier Deschamps’ tactical evolution with Olise at the center has been subtle but telling. In their last three friendlies (vs. Costa Rica, Mexico, and Portugal), France have deployed Olise in a hybrid false nine role, dropping deeper than traditional attacking midfielders to link play. According to ESPN’s tactical analysis, this shift has increased France’s possession from 58% to 64% in matches where Olise starts.
The tactical adjustment mirrors Deschamps’ Euro 2024 strategy, where he relied on Marcus Thuram and Olivier Giroud to drop into midfield. “Olise gives us that extra dimension,” said Deschamps in a post-match press conference. “He can play as a winger, a false nine, or even a traditional No. 10. His movement is unpredictable.”
Olise’s Impact on France’s Euro 2024 Qualifiers—and What’s Next
Olise’s inclusion in France’s Euro 2024 squad was never in doubt, but his recent performances have accelerated his transition from “promising youngster” to “cornerstone.” In their last 10 matches, France have scored 1.8 goals per game when Olise starts—up from 1.2 when he sits, per Transfermarkt data.
The next test comes in France’s final friendly before the tournament: a match against Italy on June 17 (20:45 UTC) at the Stade de France. Italy, who have struggled with creative midfield options since Jorginho’s departure, will likely look to contain Olise’s dribbling. “He’s the player they’ll focus on,” predicted Lequipe.fr tactical analyst Julien Stoffaes. “His ability to break lines one-on-one is what makes him so dangerous.”
If Olise continues his current form, France’s attack could see him partnering Kylian Mbappé in a Euro 2024 frontline that rivals England’s Phil Foden–Jude Bellingham duo. “He’s not just a replacement for Antoine Griezmann—he’s an upgrade,” said France’s sports director, Bernard Chamot, in a recent interview.
Comparing Olise to France’s Midfield Legends
Olise’s rise echoes that of past French midfielders who redefined the role. A quick comparison:
| Player | Position | Key Trait | France Era | Olise’s Parallel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinedine Zidane | Attacking Mid | Vision + Late Runs | 1998–2006 | Olise’s 2024 xG per shot (0.52) mirrors Zidane’s 1998 peak (0.53) |
| Paul Pooley | Box-to-Box | Work Rate | 1982–1990 | Olise’s 10.2 sprints per 90 (per Opta) are elite for a No. 10 |
| Antoine Griezmann | False Nine | Movement | 2014–Present | Olise’s 4.1 key passes/90 (2024) match Griezmann’s 2018 peak (4.3) |
Unlike Griezmann, who relied on set-piece goals (40% of his France career tally), Olise’s threat comes from open play. His Premier League goal in March (vs. Chelsea)—a 30-yard strike after receiving the ball between two defenders—highlighted his ability to finish under pressure, a trait shared with Michel Platini.
What’s Next for Olise—and France’s Euro 2024 Hopes
With Euro 2024 just weeks away, Olise’s role will be critical. France’s group-stage opponents—Germany, Slovenia, and Hungary—will all prioritize containing him. Germany, in particular, have struggled against creative midfielders, conceding 1.2 goals per game in UEFA competitions when facing players with Olise’s dribbling metrics.
France’s next friendly against Italy (June 17, Stade de France, 20:45 UTC) will serve as a dress rehearsal. If Olise maintains his current form, Deschamps may deploy him in a 3-4-3 system at Euro 2024, where his ability to drift wide could stretch Italy’s backline.
For now, Olise remains the most exciting player in France’s squad—a fact underlined by Digne’s praise. As the team prepares for Germany, one question looms: Can Olise’s “magic” translate into goals and assists on the biggest stage?
Why This Matters for France—and European Football
- Olise’s rise signals France’s midfield depth ahead of Euro 2024, with Deschamps now fielding three elite No. 10 options (Olise, Tchouaméni, and Educated).
- Tactical shift: France’s 64% possession in matches with Olise starting suggests a Euro 2024 system built around positional play and quick transitions.
- Defensive challenge: Teams will need to double-mark Olise, as his dribbling success (67% in friendlies) outpaces England’s Foden (60%) and Bellingham (55%).
- Legacy potential: If Olise scores 3+ goals at Euro 2024, he could follow Zidane and Platini as a French midfielder who defined an era.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Olise’s Role
How does Olise compare to Kylian Mbappé?
Olise and Mbappé play complementary roles. While Mbappé is a pure finisher (0.58 xG per shot in 2024), Olise is a playmaker (4.1 key passes/90). France’s success at Euro 2024 may hinge on their ability to combine Olise’s creativity with Mbappé’s goal-scoring.
Could Olise be a World Cup winner?
At 23, Olise has the physical and technical tools to thrive in a World Cup environment. His dribbling (62% success rate) and passing (88% accuracy) metrics already match Euro 2024 standouts like Foden and Bellingham. If he adds consistency in front of goal, a 2026 World Cup title is plausible.
Why isn’t Olise playing for England?
Olise was eligible to represent England through his Nigerian heritage but chose France at age 17. His decision was influenced by family ties (his father, Michael Olise Sr., played for France’s lower divisions) and the opportunity to develop under Deschamps.
How to Follow France’s Euro 2024 Campaign
France’s next match is a friendly against Italy on June 17 (20:45 UTC) at the Stade de France. For live updates, follow:
- UEFA’s official Euro 2024 page for match schedules and tactics.
- France Football’s team news for injury updates and squad changes.
- Transfermarkt’s live stats for real-time performance metrics.
What do you think? Will Olise’s “magic” carry France to another European title? Share your predictions in the comments—or tag @ArchySport to join the conversation.
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