Born in Hammersmith in December 2001, French youth international Michael Olise has cultivated a reputation as one of the hottest prospects in European football.
Terrorising wing-backs from his favoured right-sided position, the attacker has caught the attention of several Premier League giants, with Manchester United amongst the eager pack.
Erik ten Hag’s side has struggled with recent purchases to accommodate the position, with Jadon Sancho and Antony both flattering to deceive under the bright lights of Old Trafford.
In Olise, supporters are purring at the prospect of the 22-year-old, with a combination of flair, trickery, confidence and goal contributions leading to widespread pleas for his signature.
But, given the unknown variables surrounding his transfer fee and precarious injury record, does this represent an assured move for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos powerhouse?
Elite numbers from a sensational talent
From a simplistic point of view, the Crystal Palace man contributed ten goals and six assists in only 19 Premier League appearances throughout the campaign.
These are world-class numbers, but equally worrying when considering the lack of appearances – we will touch upon this later.
In attack, the Londoner ranks in the top percentile – across Europe – for goals, non-penalty goals, and shots per 90 minutes (3.95).
Furthermore, he hit the target with 1.41 shots per 90′ and averaged 0.45 goals per shot on target – placing him in the top five percentile of right-wingers across the ‘Big Five’ leagues.
But his contributions in attack extend far beyond shooting. Despite his impressive metrics, he is a forward who sets about link-up play with his teammates and endless contributions across the front line.
When we dive into passing metrics, he completed 38.12 per 90′. Additionally, he averaged 2.54 key passes, 2.40 passes into the penalty area, and 3.04 passes into the final third per 90′ played, ranking in the top four percentile in Europe for assists.
In possession, he is mesmeric in control of the ball, averaging 39.74 carries per outing. Olise’s attack-first mentality is relentless – averaging 3.53 carries into the final third and 1.91 into the penalty area.
Furthermore, he rarely loses possession and is highly resistant to a counter-press. His miscontrols per 90′ are a measly 2.89, and he is dispossessed on average 2.33 times per 90′ – ranking in the bottom seven percentile.
In other words, he is fond of the ball and does not like conceding possession.
The unavoidable conversation of injuries
The talent of this magnificent 22-year-old is obvious. As a football fan, it is impossible to ignore his ability and not move forward in anticipation when he receives the football.
However, while focusing on the 19 Premier League appearances made, we must also pay attention to the equal figure missed through injuries.
Olise was absent from the opening whistle of the campaign until a 23-minute cameo against Everton on November 11 with a recurring hamstring issue.
He would endure an aggravation of the same complaint during an outing with Brighton in February, missing an additional seven fixtures.
From the first occurrence on June 26, 2023, the winger missed 21 games and 195 days up to April 3, 2024.
While many attribute mismanagement from medical officials and coaching staff as a primary reason for a reemergence of injury, the result is undeniable.
Ten Hag’s side has endured a league-leading injury figure throughout 2023-24, with multiple absentees – including the high-profile arrival of Mason Mount.
Ineos is reshaping the club’s medical department – with Dr Gary O’Driscoll arriving from rivals Arsenal and highly-respected physio Jordan Reece on the cusp of following.
Due diligence is the word of reasoning, and given the likely cost a move for Olise will encounter, Unted’s Profit and Sustainability measures play a significant role in potential incomings.
When factoring the financial implications on top of the necessity for squad strengthening, Ratcliffe faces a compelling choice with the French underage star.
Considering everything above, would you like the club to pursue the player? Let us know in the comments below.
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