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A left-footed winger cutting in from the right flank? It just feels natural at Bayern Munich.<\/b><\/p>\n
It was an Arjen Robben trademark – now it’s Michael Olise’s.<\/p>\n
Bayern go into the second leg of their last-16 tie with Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday holding a 6-1 advantage.<\/p>\n
That’s thanks to a dazzling performance from the 24-year-old in the first leg, when he scored twice and laid on an assist.<\/p>\n
The display was in keeping with Olise’s remarkable form since he joined from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024 – no one in Europe’s top five leagues has more than his 23 assists in all competitions this season, no winger can top his 38 goal involvements.<\/p>\n
It’s no wonder he’s now being talked about as one of the best players on the planet.<\/p>\n
“It’s nice to hear but there’s half of the season still to play, so I’m focused on the team and on team titles now,” said the typically relaxed Frenchman on a potential Ballon d’Or after his masterclass in Bergamo.<\/p>\n
He may have a laid-back attitude and a languid playing style, but behind the calm exterior there is a steely determination.<\/p>\n
“I don’t want to compare the players because they’re not the same but [he has] the mentality of [former Manchester City player] Kevin de Bruyne when I played with him,” said Bayern boss Vincent Kompany after the Atalanta game.<\/p>\n
“I was lucky to watch him come through as a young player and become a superstar. I saw the whole process and it is that obsession with detail that Michael has.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n