​Sky Sports EFL and Championship expert Don Goodman could hardly contain his admiration for Bayern Munich and France star Michael Olise, repeatedly tracing the journey from raw talent to global standout. Yet Goodman reminded listeners that Olise’s path to greatness was not a foregone conclusion, recalling concerns about the youngster’s mentality and attitude in his early days. “Back then, his talent was crystal clear. But when you spoke to people around the game at the time, there were questions about his mentality and whether that might hold him back. The talent was obvious to see. He possesses an absolutely wand-like left foot that makes things happen. He moved to Crystal Palace, thrived there, earned a transfer to Bayern Munich, and now he’s among the best players in the world,” Goodman told us exclusively through the sports betting site talkSPORT Bet.
In France’s World Cup knockout clash with Sweden, the praise for Kylian Mbappé flooded in as he scored twice. Goodman acknowledged Mbappé’s greatness but argued that Olise’s influence on the pitch was equally compelling, saying, “Yes, Mbappé is a world superstar, but Olise helps to drive him and I don’t think he’s far behind him. It might sound outrageous to some because the goalscorers so often steal the limelight, and rightly so, but I genuinely love watching Olise.” His assessment drew a surprising parallel to Harry Kane’s rise, noting that while Kane’s progression from Championship loans was not predictable, Olise’s ascent has been even more extraordinary in its trajectory.
Reflecting on Olise’s development, Goodman mused that, “When I watched him at Reading, I never could have envisioned that I’d be sitting here declaring Michael Olise as the best French player in a World Cup knockout match, but that’s precisely what I’m saying now.” He asserted that Olise’s presence has been crucial to the standout performance delivered by Mbappé at this World Cup, insisting that Olise’s influence helps to unlock the brilliance of one of football’s premier talents.
Looking ahead, Goodman suggested that Olise’s current form and potential could put him in Ballon d’Or conversations. He drew a line from Olise’s early career to his current status, noting that, unlike Kane, Olise did not face a rocky start on loan spells, yet his rise has been no less meteoric. If Olise continues on this trajectory, Goodman argued, being among the sport’s elite individual awards would be a natural consequence of his continued development and impact on the game.
On a broader level, Goodman’s comments underscored a narrative about how early doubts can give way to extraordinary achievement. Olise’s left-foot magic, quick decisions, and eye for cutting edge play have shifted perceptions of him from a promising youngster to a transformative presence for both club and country. This evolution speaks to the broader arc of talent that can mature under the right environment, guidance, and opportunities, turning perceived ceilings into stepping stones toward the highest levels of the sport.