Why Michael Olise would be a good long-term signing for Crystal Palace
According to a report from The Sunday Mirror (December 20; Page 71), Crystal Palace have emerged as the new favourites to sign in-demand Reading playmaker Michael Olise.
Premier League rivals Leeds United had been heavily linked with a swoop for the youngster in the summer but eventually failed with a bid before the deadline. The Whites could yet return for Olise but Palace are now believed to be in pole position to land his signature, with Reading bracing themselves for offers in January or next summer. (h/t Sunday Mirror)
Profile
Michael Olise started his footballing education in the youth systems of Chelsea and Man City before joining Reading in 2016. He was inducted into the club’s Academy scholarship program in 2018 and made his senior debut against Leeds United in the Championship during the 2018-19 season.
The 19-year-old signed a 3-year professional contract with the Berkshire outfit in 2019 after making 4 appearances in all competitions in his debut season. Olise featured more prominently for Reading last term, tallying 19 appearances in the Championship, but failed to find the net even once.
The teenager, though, has really come of age under the stewardship of Veljko Paunovic this term. Olise has been instrumental in Reading’s fine start to the 2020-21 campaign, amassing 4 goals and 7 assists in 20 league appearances so far.
The France U-18 international’s rapid progress at the Madejski Stadium has put several top-flight clubs on red alert, with his contract set to expire in 2022.
Olise would be a quality addition at Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace raided the Championship for talented youngsters like Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson in the summer. While the latter is yet to make his debut due to an injury, Eze has made a positive impression in the Premier League. The dazzling playmaker has added some much-needed flair and creativity to the Eagles attack, establishing himself as a regular fixture under manager Roy Hodgson.
Putting things into context, Eze’s success should prompt Palace to continue scouring the Championship for bright emerging prospects. Michael Olise might just be 19 but his consistent displays and impressive numbers in the second-tier this season clearly point to a level of maturity that belies his tender years.
Much like Eze, Olise is also capable of playing as a No.10 and out wide on either flank, with the expectation that the Reading starlet is predominantly left-footed by nature. Furthermore, the 19-year-old’s heat map in the Championship underlines his dynamic range of qualities. While he is adept at getting into dangerous areas in the final third to pull the strings, the youngster also has the energy to track back and help out his defenders.
Verdict
Suffice to say, Michael Olise ticks a lot of boxes to come through the door at Selhurst Park as an excellent long-term signing for Crystal Palace. The 19-year-old has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past six months, showcasing his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis and thriving in the rough-and-tough nature of the Championship.
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Olise looks like a quality player in the making and the Eagles pairing him up with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Eze sounds exciting.
