Olise Poised for Breakout World Cup, Says Clichy

Gaël Clichy, a former France international, has expressed his belief that Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise is poised to be a breakout star at the upcoming World Cup. Clichy, who worked with Olise during the 2024 Paris Olympics as an assistant coach for the French under-23 team, sees the tournament as a significant platform for the 24-year-old to announce himself on the global stage.

Olise, who has already made 16 appearances and scored four goals for the French senior team, is relatively new to the international scene. Despite his club success with Bayern Munich and appearances in the Champions League, Clichy suggests that many in France may not fully grasp the extent of his current abilities.

Por que importa

"Everyone knows Michael quite well already, of course, because he plays for Bayern Munich and we see him a lot in the Champions League," Clichy stated in an interview with BBC Sport. "But this is his first World Cup and he has only played 16 games for France so far, so he is still very new on the international scene."

Clichy recalled Olise's performance during the Olympics, where France reached the final. He believes the World Cup offers an even greater opportunity for Olise to showcase his talent. "The Olympics is obviously a major event, and we reached the final, and almost won gold. But the World Cup is something different, and this is Michael's first big tournament with the first team," he added.

Clichy, who will be working as a pundit for BBC Sport during the World Cup, identified Olise as the player he is most eager to watch. "I will be watching him at this World Cup as a pundit for BBC Sport and he is the player I am most looking forward to seeing play game after game at this level, and showing everyone exactly what he can do."

The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender emphasized Olise's potential for greatness if he can replicate his club form on the international stage. "I know how good he is, and what a top guy he is too. If he can take the season he has just had for Bayern, and bring his magic to the World Cup, then he will be seen as one of the very best that we have in France. And, if he performs as well as he can do, then the team will perform well too."

Potential Impact Players

Clichy also highlighted other French players who, like Olise, are experiencing their first major international finals after successful club seasons. Rayan Cherki, who also participated in the under-23 squad for the 2024 Olympics, was singled out for his immense talent and creative potential.

"Like Olise, Rayan Cherki was in our under-23 squad for the 2024 Olympics," Clichy explained. "From watching him closely, he is an incredible talent, someone with so much creative quality with both feet that he never looks uncomfortable on the ball."

Clichy acknowledged that Cherki, like many young talents, is still developing his all-around game, particularly his work off the ball. He drew on his own experience as a manager to explain how coaches often overlook defensive shortcomings in players who consistently deliver points.

"I think every player matures differently – everyone has got his own journey, and it is affected by how you are used by your coach," Clichy said. "Because of that, I think when you have been a player like Rayan, who has been the best player in every team he has played for since he was six, it is not that you are learning differently, but you build yourself up from a child into a young man knowing you can get away with stuff – or not doing stuff – in games, because you are so good."

He added that reaching the highest level requires players to be proficient in all phases of the game, including defensive duties. This transition, Clichy believes, has been a key part of Cherki's development under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

"I found myself learning at the age of 32, when I met Pep at City in 2016, so you can only imagine the effect of meeting him at such a young age has had on Rayan," Clichy remarked. "Working with Pep can either make you or break you. It is a simple choice, really – because if you listen and go with what he wants, then, with the quality Rayan has, you have a good chance of becoming great."

Clichy suggested that if Cherki can continue to improve and integrate the defensive aspects of his game, he could reach levels comparable to Kevin De Bruyne in terms of playmaking statistics.

"He has only had one season under Pep, but if he can keep on improving, and keep on bringing the kind of performances we saw from him at City, there is just no limit for him, and what he can do," Clichy concluded. He also drew a parallel to Samir Nasri's career path, suggesting that Cherki is on a similar journey of development.

Datos clave

The World Cup is a critical tournament for players looking to establish themselves on the international stage and for national teams seeking major honors. For France, a nation with a rich footballing history and a pipeline of young talent, the performances of players like Olise and Cherki could be pivotal in their quest for World Cup glory. Their development and potential impact are of significant interest to football fans globally, and particularly to those following the French national team.

Fuente: BBC Sport, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c2020jylzk1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss