Arsenal defender William Saliba has described Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as a “star” with world-class technical ability, whilst cautioning against early comparisons to French legends Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.
Speaking about his international teammate, Saliba highlighted the 24-year-old’s maturity and intelligent decision-making following his rapid rise at Bayern. The centre-back noted that Olise “always plays the right ball”, distinguishing him from attackers who rely purely on individual brilliance.
Technical Maturity
Saliba praised Olise’s efficiency and football intelligence, explaining that the former Crystal Palace and Reading youngster consistently selects the option that benefits the team most. “He’s not the type of player who’ll try to dribble past everyone,” Saliba said. “When he needs to pass, he passes. When he needs to dribble, he dribbles.”
The Arsenal defender believes this blend of technical excellence and tactical awareness sets Olise apart from many contemporaries. “Technically he is world-class,” Saliba added. “He can shoot, he can dribble, he can pass… he always plays the right ball and makes the right decision.”
Future Potential
Despite his enthusiasm, Saliba stressed that parallels with former French greats remain premature. “Of course there is still a long way to go before he can be compared to Michel Platini or Zinedine Zidane,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Saliba expressed confidence that Olise possesses the necessary qualities to eventually enter that conversation. “He’s a player who can do everything and who can break the deadlock in all sort of situations,” Saliba observed. “I hope that one day he’ll be in a league with Platini and Zidane, but it’s too early now.”
Saliba described the Bayern attacker as a “very, very good player” and emphasised the enjoyment of sharing a dressing room with him. “Honestly, it’s a pleasure to watch him play,” he concluded.
Olise has become one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players and a significant figure for the French national team. His performances suggest he could become a cornerstone of France’s future, even if Saliba believes comparisons with the nation’s most celebrated playmakers must wait.