Michael Olise's Champions League debut for Bayern outshines expectations

The former youth product of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City is making an impression in his first season at Europe's elite club competition with Bayern Munich.

Transferred from Crystal Palace for a fee of 53 million euros, Olise, 23, has notched up 11 goals and 12 assists in 32 matches for Bayern this season. His performance in European games has been even more impressive, with five goals and one assist in nine Champions League appearances.

Among French players making their Champions League debut, only Thierry Henry (7 goals) and Kylian Mbappe (6 goals) have scored more than Olise's five. There's still a chance for Olise to overtake these legends.

Although he was born in London and could have represented England, Nigeria, or Algeria, he has chosen to play for France at the senior level.

In the first leg of the playoffs against Celtic on Wednesday, Olise left his mark with a spectacular goal, receiving a long pass from Dayot Upamecano and beating Kasper Schmeichel with a left-footed shot into the top corner.

Owen Hargreaves, speaking to TNT, praised Olise's potential, "He could be as good as he wants to be. He's made a significant leap from Crystal Palace to debuting in the Champions League... and he's doing really well.

"His calmness in front of goal is truly unique. I think he fits perfectly at Bayern."

Vincent Kompany highlighted a less-known aspect of Olise's game, "Michael is a cerebral player, a thinker. He thinks a lot and questions everything. He enjoys football and works hard.

"The most important thing I see in him is his obsession with improvement. He's one of those players who always wants to get better."

Kingsley Coman, competing with Olise for a spot in the lineup, has also been impressed, "I didn't really know him before. But when he signed and I saw a couple of his Olympic games, I thought: Yes, he's good!"

Olise's statistics back up his reputation. Among players in the five major leagues, he has completed the most passes into the penalty area (66). In the Champions League, he ranks sixth for shots attempted (27) and ninth for crosses delivered (40).

It's a testament to the oversight by Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, who let this talent slip through their fingers.

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