 |
From being dubbed the "new Robben" at Bayern Munich, Michael Olise is showing all the qualities to become the new number 10 for the French national team. |
In three group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup, the French national team scored a total of 10 goals against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele impressed with their goalscoring prowess, but Olise was the "brain" behind that formidable attack.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, Olise's talent became known worldwide. Across all competitions, this shy young man scored a total of 22 goals and provided 31 assists, playing a major role in helping Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga early and reach the Champions League semi-finals. During that time, he consistently impressed with his Arjen Robben-esque moves: cutting inside from the right wing to curl shots into the net or delivering assists for his teammates to score.
With his exquisite individual technique, explosive acceleration, and direct playing style, Olise can torment any defense. The French star scores goals, provides assists, and stretches the opposing team's formation.
If Olise continues to stay with Bayern Munich and helps the club conquer the Champions League, the day will come when he will no longer be mentioned as "Robben's successor," but will become one of the best right-wing forwards in the club's history.
This is where Olise plays the most freedom.
The 2026 World Cup is showcasing an even more complete Olise. He's not just a right winger; he's become a true number 10, a playmaker in the central midfield, capable of changing the course of a game with a single delicate pass or a skillful turn to create space for his teammates.
This is not a sudden change, but rather the natural development of an innate talent.
 |
Michael Olise's free-roaming role is transforming the French attack into one of the most formidable forces at the 2026 World Cup. |
In fact, before the World Cup, Olise had shared with the press that the number 10 position was where he felt most natural and comfortable. “I grew up playing as a number 10. It’s more free and suits me better,” he affirmed. Perhaps coach Didier Deschamps understood this and created all the conditions for his gem to express himself in the most natural way.
Olise also lived up to coach Deschamps' trust. In France's 3-1 victory over Senegal, he started on the right wing but frequently drifted into the center. Olise provided an assist with a pass that tore through the Senegalese defense, allowing Mbappe to easily score.
In addition, he created four scoring opportunities and achieved a pass accuracy rate of 89%. This is a very impressive figure considering that the majority of Olise's passes were made in the final third of the pitch.
Those statistics clearly reflect the tactical vision of a true number 10. In the match against Iraq, Olise added two assists, created three scoring opportunities, and nearly scored with a skillful finish. Although not particularly outstanding in the win against Norway, he still leads the 2026 World Cup in the number of successful through passes with four, according to Squawka statistics.
Will he be the "new Zidane"?
International experts believe that coach Deschamps' decision to move Olise into the central midfield is the biggest tactical turning point for the French national team at this World Cup. Since Antoine Griezmann's career declined, "Les Bleus" have lacked a player capable of connecting the midfield with top-class attacking players on the wings. Olise's arrival has solved that problem.
He possesses the speed of a winger but also the finesse and spatial awareness of a number 10. Whenever Olise has the ball, Mbappe or Dembele only need to accelerate because they understand that a pass with almost programmed accuracy will find its way to the right position. All of this shows that Olise is gradually becoming the maestro of the French national team, the "brain" that operates the attack.
 |
While Mbappe and Dembele score goals, Michael Olise is the player who will shape France's style of play at the 2026 World Cup.  Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.  Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.  Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao. |
Watching Olise's intelligent movement, skillful dribbling, refined ball control, and incisive passes, many are reminded of Zinedine Zidane, the legendary number 10 who led France to World Cup victory in 1998. Perhaps it's too early to make such a comparison, but Olise possesses many qualities to follow in his predecessor's footsteps.
France's journey at the 2026 World Cup has only just begun. The knockout rounds will present much tougher opponents. Mbappe and Dembele may still be the stars attracting attention with their goals, but if they want to win their third world championship, coach Deschamps' team will need Michael Olise to continue to shine in the number 10 role.
Source: https://znews.vn/olise-dang-tro-thanh-zidane-moi-post1663953.html
