MY ACCOUNT
Not every footballer has two of the best international sides in the world fighting over them — but Michael Olise is not just any footballer.
Eligible to play for both France and England, the Crystal Palace winger has opted to join up with the French Under-21s this international break.
We look at the 20-year-old’s rapid rise at Selhurst Park to see why both countries are so desperate for him to choose them.
In demand
Like so many modern footballers, Olise had choices to make when it came to international football.
His mother is French-Algerian, meaning both those countries were possibilities, while he can also represent his father’s birthplace, Nigeria.
Despite growing up in England, two caps for France U-18s were the extent of Olise’s international experience prior to this break.
Although the Three Lions are undoubtedly interested, it is clear where his loyalties lie.
Under-21s boss Lee Carsley said: “We made Crystal Palace and the player aware that we were interested [and asked] ‘is it something that you will consider?’
“He chose to go to France, which is his prerogative and as a dual nationality person myself, you’ve got that right.”
Lion in wait
Olise has become an integral player for the Eagles since the turn of the year, playing in all 10 of Palace’s Premier League games.
He was equally impressive for Reading in the Championship last term and his progress is not a surprise to England.
Carsley explained: “I’ve been aware of him for a while and watched a lot of his Reading games.
“These players don’t burst on to the scene. From our point of view we’ve been aware of him for two, three, four years — right from U-15s all the way through.
“We made it known that we are interested in him potentially coming into the U-21s squad because of the form he’s showed at Palace.
“We can’t make any guarantees, but it would have been great to have him around the squad and put him in a position where it could show Gareth [Southgate] from an England point of view what you can do and potentially move up.
“It would have been great to have him with us. I wish him the best of luck and hope he does well.”
Feeling 2022
Four goals, eight assists and two Crystal Palace Player of the Month awards have put Olise in the limelight.
But it has not been plain sailing this season, with just two starts in the top flight before the turn of the year.
Since then, Vieira has selected him in the starting XI eight times in 10 games and the Hammersmith native has repaid him in spades.
His elegant manner on the pitch and cultured left foot immediately catch the eye — and the stats back that up.
He creates 0.65 big chances per 90 minutes, second in the league, and gets an assist every 193 minutes, the sixth-best in the top flight.
Destined for the top
It is clear to see why the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal have already been tipped to make a move for the Eagles playmaker.
He only cost them £8million from Reading but could be sold for much more — and his former Royals boss has tipped him for the top.
Mark Bowen said: “Someone asked me a while ago ‘how far can Michael go?’ He can go how far he wants.
“It’s just whether he has the mental strength — and Palace fans won’t thank me for saying this — to say to himself ‘I want to play Champions League football, play for an even bigger club’.
“Because I think he can do it. Is he prepared to push himself on again? I think he is.”
Not giving up
Picking France at this stage does not count out a change of heart at a later date.
Declan Rice played three times for the Republic of Ireland before switching allegiance, while Jack Grealish also featured for the Boys in Green at youth level.
But both of those came about due to a lack of England chances at the time, something Olise does not have to deal with.
In fact, given his current trajectory, it would not be a surprise if he makes his way into France’s senior squad before the 2022 World Cup.
Though England have plenty of talent to choose from, the ease with which Olise has taken to Premier League football means there will always be a tinge of disappointment if he never pulls on a Three Lions shirt.
