Olise’s Potential to Shine on the World Stage
Sometimes a player experiences a defining moment, a tournament where they truly establish themselves as a superstar on the biggest stage. We witnessed this with Kylian Mbappe during the 2018 World Cup. Although his talent was evident before France lifted the trophy in Russia, that tournament marked his definitive arrival.
This summer, I hope another French player, Michael Olise, can achieve a similar breakthrough in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Michael is already well known, as he plays for Bayern Munich and features regularly in the Champions League. However, this is his first World Cup, and with only 16 caps for France, he remains relatively new to the international scene.
Before the 2024 Olympics in Paris, few in France were familiar with him, especially as he had just transferred from Crystal Palace to Germany. Even now, some may not fully appreciate his quality.
I worked with him during the Olympics when I was assistant coach alongside Thierry Henry for the French under-23 team. I believed then that the Olympics could have been his moment. It is a significant event, and we reached the final, narrowly missing out on gold.
However, the World Cup is a different stage, and this is Michael’s first major tournament with the senior team. I will be watching him closely as a pundit, eager to see him perform consistently at this level and demonstrate his abilities to all.
I know his quality and also what a great person he is. If he can replicate the form he showed this season for Bayern at the World Cup, he will be recognized as one of France’s very best players.
Moreover, if he performs at his peak, the French team’s overall performance will benefit.
'Cherki Never Looks Uncomfortable on the Ball'
Olise is not the only French player who has succeeded at club level but is attending his first World Cup or major international finals. He is also not the only one I believe can make a significant impact if given the opportunity.
Like Olise, Rayan Cherki was part of our under-23 squad at the 2024 Olympics. Having observed him closely, I can say he is an exceptional talent, possessing remarkable creative ability with both feet and never appearing uneasy on the ball.
At that time, he was not a complete player, particularly regarding his defensive work off the ball, which could be frustrating. But I understand why.
Every player matures differently; each has a unique journey influenced by how coaches utilize them.
As a manager now, I realize that winning points is paramount. If a player consistently helps secure points, coaches often overlook certain shortcomings because the player contributes to team success.
For a player like Rayan, who has been the standout player in every team since age six, this means he developed with the belief that he could sometimes neglect certain responsibilities because of his exceptional skill.
Some of this is unconscious behavior. Rayan may not have considered defending important because he did not approach football that way and simply did not need to.
That approach works during childhood, but as one progresses, it becomes necessary to excel in all five phases of the game: possession, out of possession, attacking transition, defensive transition, and set-pieces.
If a player is unaccustomed to working without the ball and maintaining defensive shape, they must undergo a reset.
This reset was the challenge Pep Guardiola faced when he brought Rayan to Manchester City last year, and I believe both have made significant progress toward this goal.
'Working with Pep Can Either Make You or Break You'
Rayan has experienced top-level football since age 16, when he debuted in the Champions League for Lyon.
Despite being only 22, he is still learning, and the season he just completed with City has been crucial for his development.
I myself was still learning at age 32 when I met Pep at City in 2016, so one can imagine the impact of encountering him at such a young age.
Working with Pep can either make you or break you. It is a simple choice, really - because if you listen and go with what he wants, then, with the quality Rayan has, you have a good chance of becoming great.
If, on the other hand, you don't understand what Pep wants, and you don't really want to go his way, you can break that relationship.
This relates to whether Rayan can become a complete player.
Although Pep is now leaving City, the relationship between him and Rayan has been very effective over the past few months.
Rayan was always an outstanding talent in terms of quality, but football requires more than ball skills; it demands effort off the ball as well.
I have always believed that if he could improve this aspect, he would gain his coaches’ trust and could approach the level of Kevin de Bruyne in terms of goal contributions.
Having had only one season under Pep, if Rayan continues to improve and maintain his performances at City, his potential is limitless.
I compare his journey to that of Samir Nasri.
Samir may have been less naturally talented but was exposed early to the demands of professional football under immense pressure at Marseille as a teenager, more so than Rayan at Lyon.
I played alongside Samir, who was similarly skilful and expressive. However, he learned to harness his abilities to succeed at Arsenal, City, and France, winning the Premier League twice.
Samir demonstrated the capacity to maximize his talent, but I believe Rayan is a level above him. I hope Rayan continues to perform for City and translates that form to the French national team.
'Mateta Is a Proper Leader'
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s inclusion in the France squad may have surprised some, but not me.
I was somewhat surprised and disappointed that he did not secure a major transfer after witnessing his performances at the Olympics. He is a traditional striker—physically strong and a clinical finisher inside the box.
His impact at Crystal Palace is notable. Having played in England for 15 years, I know Palace often battled relegation when in the Premier League.
Since Mateta joined in 2022, the club has won the FA Cup and the Europa Conference League. The equation is straightforward: a striker performing well indicates the team is performing well.
His World Cup selection rewards his performances this season but extends beyond that. His work ethic, even before he was widely known, has been exceptional.
He is a positive presence in the dressing room, always in good spirits. He can score six goals in six consecutive games but will accept a bench role without complaint and still make an impact when called upon.
Mateta was instrumental in France’s run to the Olympic final and silver medal, not only by scoring but also by providing leadership.
I am genuinely pleased for him and hope he contributes on the pitch at the World Cup. If France is to win, his personality will be vital off the pitch as well.
Gael Clichy shared these insights with ’s Chris Bevan.
