PARIS (AP) — It may not be Kylian Mbappé or Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele who will brighten France’s attack in the final. world cup.
Instead, it can be modest and unassuming michael orisewith his golden first touch and devastating changes of direction.
It begins on June 16th with two-time champions France taking on Senegal in New Jersey.
The Bayern Munich winger heads into the competition in great form, having scored a stunning hat-trick against Northern Ireland on Monday, taking his total for Les Bleus to seven goals in 17 games.
Coach Didier Deschamps defended his first-choice team, but it was Olise who stood out the most in this match. glittering attack Featuring Mbappe, Dembele and rising stars Desiree Duet.
Deschamps said of Olise: “He has shone for Bayern this season and has done great things for us. He is full of confidence and very decisive.” “Plus, as an offensive player, he also has an incredible ability to work hard.”
After scoring two goals inside the penalty area, Oliseh made a sudden change of play, breaking in from the right flank and firing a brilliant shot into the top left corner.
He does it so skillfully and quickly that it became his signature move and helped the 24-year-old score 22 goals for Bayern this season.
henry’s guidance
Deschamps said he was impressed by Olise at the 2024 Paris Olympics. There he was coached by France and Arsenal greats Thierry Henry and Olise. 2 goals 5 assists He contributed to Les Bleus’ advance to the finals.
Olise called the Paris tournament “the best soccer experience of my life” because it “allowed people to get to know me.” He praised Henry for sharing his vision of the game.
But when Olise stepped up to the first team, Deschamps said it took him “four or five games” to show his true potential because he was shy.
“He’s not a very expressive character. He’s more of an introvert, but he’s a very endearing person,” Deschamps said.
Olise’s first international goal came in his sixth appearance, and he proved his ability by scoring a free-kick into the top corner in the 2025 Nations League match against Croatia.
ignored by big clubs
London-born Oliseh began his professional career at Reading after being released by Chelsea and Manchester City.
While playing for Reading in the Second Division Championship, he was named the English Football League’s Young Player of the Season.
He joined Premier League side Crystal Palace in 2021 and his three seasons at Palace were enough to convince Bayern. sign him The deal is worth 60 million euros ($65 million).
Olise added goalscoring to his great passing width, scoring 42 goals in 107 games in two seasons with the German giants, despite a very attack-oriented team.
useless mbappe
Oliseh’s goal highlighted another mediocre performance from Mbappé, who also failed to score in last Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat to Ivory Coast.
“It’s true that he had some chances but he wasn’t efficient,” Deschamps said.
Mbappe now has 56 international goals and needs two more goals to break Olivier Giroud’s French record.
“He told me he was holding back for America,” Deschamps said with a smile. “That’s why it works for me.”
___
AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
