Michael Olise has made a fantastic start at Bayern Munich. So much so that he has already been compared to Bayern legend Arjen Robben in the German media. However, the Frenchman himself prefers to think of a compatriot who made a name for himself in Bavaria.
On Saturday, Michael Olise solidified his impressive start at Bayern Munich with a remarkable performance that left a lasting impression.
The young winger, who made the move from Crystal Palace this summer for a hefty €53 million, was instrumental in Bayern’s dominant 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen. Olise showcased his talent by contributing two goals and providing two assists, helping his team cruise to a convincing win. His explosive play on the right wing has made an immediate impact in the Bundesliga, and his performance against Bremen marked the pinnacle of his early form in Germany.
Playing as a left-footed winger on the right flank, Olise’s style of play has drawn immediate comparisons to Bayern Munich legend Arjen Robben, who famously terrorized defenders from the same position for years. Robben’s ability to cut inside and create scoring opportunities became his trademark, and many in the German media were quick to note similarities between the Dutch icon and Olise. However, teammate Harry Kane, Bayern’s star striker who also joined the club this summer, urged caution when making such comparisons. "That’s quite a big comparison, and there’s still a long way to go. Robben was one of the best in the world in his position," Kane said, emphasizing that while Olise is an outstanding player, he still has much to prove before being mentioned in the same breath as Robben.
Interestingly, while the media fixates on the Robben comparison, Olise himself prefers to draw inspiration from another Bayern Munich legend – Franck Ribéry. "When I think of compatriots who played for Bayern, I think mostly of him," the 22-year-old Frenchman said after his stellar display. Ribéry, known for his creativity, flair, and work ethic, was a key figure in Bayern’s success for over a decade and remains a revered figure in Munich. For Olise, Ribéry serves as a role model, not only because of his nationality but also because of the legacy he left at the club.
Harry Kane, who has quickly formed a strong partnership with Olise on the pitch, continued to praise his new attacking partner. "He was a constant threat today. First of all, he's a great player, but he's also a really nice guy. He genuinely enjoys being in Munich," Kane said, highlighting the positive atmosphere Olise has brought to the team. The two players have developed a strong understanding, and their chemistry was on full display against Bremen, with each player assisting the other for a goal during the match.
Olise’s impressive start in the Bundesliga has not gone unnoticed. In his first four league appearances, the young winger has already tallied three goals and two assists, making him one of the standout performers in the early stages of the season. This level of direct involvement in five goals places him in elite company. Only five other Bayern Munich players have managed to be involved in at least five goals in their first four Bundesliga matches: Harry Kane himself (5), Rainer Ohlhauser (5, in 1965), Paolo Guerrero (5, in 2004), Luca Toni (6, in 2007), and Douglas Costa (6, in 2015). It’s an impressive list, and Olise’s early contributions suggest that he could be on the path to a highly successful stint at the German club.
Looking ahead, Bayern Munich will face their biggest domestic test of the season so far when they take on reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena. Leverkusen, known for their attacking prowess, will provide a stern challenge for Bayern, and Olise’s form will be crucial in maintaining his team's momentum in the league. Following that match, Olise will have the opportunity to return to his birthplace, London, when Bayern takes on Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League. It will be a special moment for the young star, who was born and raised in London before embarking on his professional career.
As Bayern’s season progresses, the focus will remain on Olise’s continued adaptation to life in Germany. If his early performances are any indication, the winger could play a key role in Bayern’s quest for silverware, both domestically and in Europe. His dynamic style of play, combined with his ability to score and create chances, has made him a vital part of Bayern’s attacking unit. Should he continue on this trajectory, the comparisons to Robben and Ribéry may not seem so far-fetched after all.
