Why Ex-palace Winger Olise Is Now In Ballon D'or Contention At Bayern

A left-footed winger cutting successful from nan correct flank? It conscionable feels earthy astatine Bayern Munich.

It was an Arjen Robben trademark - now it's Michael Olise's.

Bayern spell into nan 2nd limb of their last-16 necktie pinch Atalanta successful nan Champions League connected Wednesday holding a 6-1 advantage.

That's acknowledgment to a dazzling capacity from nan 24-year-old successful nan first leg, erstwhile he scored doubly and laid connected an assist.

The show was successful keeping pinch Olise's singular shape since he joined from Crystal Palace successful nan summertime of 2024 - nary 1 successful Europe's apical 5 leagues has much than his 23 assists successful each competitions this season, nary winger tin apical his 38 extremity involvements.

It's nary wonderment he's now being talked astir arsenic 1 of nan champion players connected nan planet.

"It's bully to perceive but there's half of nan play still to play, truthful I'm focused connected nan squad and connected squad titles now," said nan typically relaxed Frenchman connected a imaginable Ballon d'Or aft his masterclass successful Bergamo.

He whitethorn person a laid-back cognition and a languid playing style, but down nan calm exterior location is simply a steely determination.

"I don't want to comparison nan players because they're not nan aforesaid but [he has] nan mentality of [former Manchester City player] Kevin de Bruyne erstwhile I played pinch him," said Bayern leader Vincent Kompany aft nan Atalanta game.

"I was fortunate to watch him travel done arsenic a young subordinate and go a superstar. I saw nan full process and it is that obsession pinch item that Michael has."