Michael Olise has not only made himself a leading contender to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or award, but has also put him in the conversation as one of the best players on the planet.
The France international was at his dazzling best as Bayern Munich were edged out 5-4 in a Champions League classic against Paris Saint-Germain. While he was on the losing side, Olise still managed to improve his perception in the eyes of many.
His effortless dribbling ability and ice-cold composure make him a rare commodity in the sometimes overly tactical world of modern football. Full-backs all across Europe have struggled to contain the ex-Crystal Palace man, who is only getting better.
Daniel Sturridge Heaps Praise on 'Special' Michael Olise
Michael Olise
Olise felt inevitable at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night as he became one of the only players to terrorise Nuno Mendes all season. He got his name on the scoresheet after drifting inside and using his impeccable close control to navigate through several PSG players, before rifling into the net. Watch the goal below.
Speaking on Amazon Prime's coverage of the semi-final first leg, Daniel Sturridge waxed lyrical about the dribbling ability of the England-born winger. The ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker said: "I think he's incredible. I think he's got a unique style. I think his dribbling style is unique."
He went as far as saying that Barcelona and Brazil icon Neymar is the only player he's seen with the same style. Sturridge conceded Neymar is 'more skilful', but was still glowing in his praise of the Bayern star:
"I've not actually seen a player do that. Maybe Neymar is more skilful and more elastic, but the elasticity that Olise has, where he can slow it down and go either way with both feet."
"He's so beautiful on the eye when you see him dribbling, and he makes it look easy," the footballer-turned-pundit added. "To get past someone and manipulate the ball and keep it in play, I just think he's so, so special."
Neymar is among the most skilful players in football history, and it's a huge compliment to even put Olise in a similar conversation at just 24 years old.
Michael Olise Picked Better Dribblers Than Himself
Michael Olise
Olise himself was tasked with picking out players in world football who are better dribblers. A video was posted to social media where the Bayern Munich ace had to remain quiet until he heard the name of a superior dribbler.
He kept his mouth shut when names such as Alphonso Davies, Arda Guler and Raphinha were mentioned. However, he did admit that he thinks Jamal Musiala, Ousmane Dembele, Eberechi Eze and Kylian Mbappe are better at running with the ball at their feet.