If the signs are not misleading, Bayern Munich has landed a formidable player in Michael Olise. The 22-year-old forward led Der Rekordmeister past Werder Bremen on Saturday with two goals and two assists.
Jamal Musiala’s glowing praise of Michael Olise during his interview with Sky Sports signals the growing bond between Bayern Munich’s new star signing and their established talents.
Musiala, himself a rising star, has firsthand knowledge of Olise’s abilities, having played alongside him during their formative years at Chelsea’s youth academy. This familiarity has seemingly paid off early in their Bayern careers, with Musiala expressing optimism about their budding partnership. "We get along well. You can already see the qualities he possesses. The chemistry will only get better," Musiala stated, adding that their growing understanding on the pitch will enhance their performances over time. "The more we play together, the better we’ll know what types of passes we prefer."
For Bayern Munich, the acquisition of Michael Olise came with high expectations. After all, the club paid a substantial €53 million to Crystal Palace to secure the services of the French forward, a move that reflects the Bavarian giants’ long-term ambitions. Bayern’s board, known for their meticulous approach to transfers, identified Olise as the perfect fit for the club’s philosophy, blending youth with technical excellence. However, as with any big transfer, there was some uncertainty about how quickly Olise would adapt to the pressures of playing at a club with Bayern’s stature. Any lingering doubts have now been erased, with the 22-year-old hitting the ground running in his first few games for the club.
Olise’s performance in the 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League was nothing short of spectacular. Scoring twice in a game that showcased Bayern’s attacking dominance, Olise demonstrated his ability to thrive on the European stage. For Bayern, a club that has consistently aimed for success in the Champions League, Olise’s seamless adaptation is an encouraging sign. His intelligence on the ball, coupled with his ability to find spaces between the lines, makes him a versatile asset in Bayern's multi-faceted attack.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has been full of praise for Olise’s early performances, remarking that his start couldn’t have been better. Kompany, a legendary figure in world football, has brought his tactical acumen to Bayern after proving his managerial credentials at Burnley. He’s shown confidence in integrating new signings like Olise into Bayern’s well-established system, emphasizing the importance of joy in football. "Michael is doing very well, his start couldn’t have been much better. I also don’t feel like he’s under much pressure. Football just gives him a lot of joy," Kompany noted, highlighting the sense of freedom that Olise has brought to his game at Bayern.
This joy is evident in Olise’s fluid performances, where he combines creativity with a relentless work rate. Bayern’s dominance in recent matches has been a collective effort, but players like Olise are key to maintaining that dominance. The Frenchman’s willingness to track back, press high, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates speaks volumes about his commitment to the team’s philosophy. In a squad that boasts stars like Thomas Müller, Joshua Kimmich, and Leroy Sané, Olise’s ability to stand out so quickly is a testament to his immense talent.
As Bayern Munich heads into a crucial top-of-the-table clash against Bayer Leverkusen, they do so as the unbeaten leaders of the Bundesliga. Scoring 20 goals in just eight days across three competitions, the team is in red-hot form. Their recent 6-1 thrashing of Holstein Kiel in the DFB-Pokal and a 4-0 win over Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga highlight Bayern's comprehensive dominance over opponents. Even more telling is their defensive solidity. Against Bremen, Bayern gave up exactly 0.0 Expected Goals (xG), a rare statistic that underscores their complete control of the match.
This defensive mastery is something that Kompany has brought to the table. Known for his leadership and defensive organization as a player at Manchester City, he’s translated those skills into his managerial career. Bayern’s ability to suffocate teams, giving away little to no chances, is reminiscent of Kompany’s playing days, where defensive resilience was paramount. While the goals have flowed freely, Bayern’s backline has been equally impressive, giving them the balance needed to compete for multiple titles this season.
However, Kompany remains humble about Bayern’s recent success. "I’m humble enough to give the players the credit. Last season I worked at Burnley and faced teams with better players from wealthier clubs," he commented, alluding to his previous managerial stint in England. His experience at Burnley, where he led a smaller club against the financial powerhouses of the Premier League, has given him a grounded perspective on managing talent at a club like Bayern. Now, with world-class players at his disposal, Kompany is eager to guide Bayern to new heights while giving his players the freedom to express themselves on the pitch.
Olise’s arrival has also added depth to Bayern’s attacking options, allowing them to rotate and maintain freshness in their squad. With key fixtures in the Bundesliga and Champions League, Bayern’s ability to call upon players of Olise’s caliber ensures they remain competitive on all fronts. His versatility means he can play across the forward line, adding unpredictability to Bayern’s attack. In matches where they’ve struggled to break down deep-lying defenses, Olise’s creativity and ability to take on defenders one-on-one provides an essential outlet.
For Bayern Munich, the 2023-2024 season holds immense promise. With players like Olise settling in quickly, the club looks well-equipped to challenge for major honors. The combination of youth and experience in the squad, bolstered by new arrivals and guided by Kompany’s tactical nous, makes Bayern one of the favorites to win both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how Olise continues to develop in Bavaria, but one thing is certain: Bayern have found themselves a ‘super player’ who is ready to take them to the next level.
