Michael Olise, a young French talent, is poised to make a significant impact at the 2026 World Cup, according to former French international Gael Clichy. Olise, currently playing for Bayern Munich, has already established himself in the Champions League, but this will be his first major tournament with the French national team. Despite his limited international experience, Clichy believes Olise has the potential to become one of France's best players, drawing parallels to Kylian Mbappe's breakout performance at the 2018 World Cup.
Clichy highlights Olise's growth and development, noting that he was not a complete player in terms of his work without possession during the 2024 Olympics. However, he understands that every player matures at their own pace, influenced by their coach's usage. The former defender observes that some players, like Rayan, develop a sense of entitlement due to their exceptional talent, which can hinder their growth if not managed properly. Rayan, who has been the best player in every team he's played for since he was six, faced a challenge in adapting to Pep Guardiola's style at Manchester City, but the two have since found a successful working relationship.
Clichy speculates that Olise, like Rayan, needs to work on his game out of possession to become a complete player. He believes that Olise's time at Bayern Munich, where he has been exposed to high-level football, will help him develop the necessary skills. Additionally, Olise's personality and character, similar to Samir Nasri's, will be crucial for France's success on and off the pitch. Nasri, a great team player, has been a valuable asset to the French team, and Clichy hopes Olise can contribute in the same way.
In conclusion, Clichy is optimistic about Olise's prospects at the 2026 World Cup, believing that he has the talent and potential to become a key player for France. However, he emphasizes the importance of Olise's development and adaptation to become a complete player, drawing on his own experiences and observations of other young talents.
