In Focus: Teenage starlet handing the Eagles a new Olise of life

Crystal Palace summer signing Michael Olise firmly announced his arrival in the Premier League with a superb display against Leicester.

The 19-year-old’s £8million arrival was seen as a coup for the Eagles after he lit up the Championship with Reading.

Injuries have limited him to substitute appearances so far this season but he showed the top flight what he was about with an impressive cameo against the Foxes to inspire a two-goal comeback.

We turn the spotlight on the talented Frenchman as he strives to take the Premier League by storm.

Great entertainer

Olise was on the books of Chelsea and Manchester City but it was after joining Reading that his career started to take off.

The Hammersmith-born star forced his way into the Royals’ first team during the latter stages of the 2019-20 season and once he was in, he was rarely out.

The following campaign Olise really made his name after seven goals and 12 assists saw him named the EFL Championship Young Player of the Year, beating the likes of Harvey Elliott and Max Aarons to the prize.

The former Reading No7 plays to entertain, with his skilful and easy on the eye approach demanding the attention of spectators in every game he plays.

Operating across both wings or in attacking midfield, Olise’s collection of goals and assists is one any player would be proud of with long-range strikes and mazy runs scattered throughout.

Jose Gomes — the former Reading boss who gave Olise his senior debut — named him as the best young player he has managed.

He told the Athletic last season: "He was maybe the most wonderful and fantastic talent I’ve worked with.

"And look — I’ve worked with very strong academies, at Porto, Benfica, Panathinaikos, Malaga, with a lot of important and big talents."

Standout signing

Palace securing Olise was impressive enough after beating off the likes of Liverpool, City and Chelsea for his signature.

But the low price they got him for means he could end up as one of the signings of the summer.

Figures of £30m and £40m were thrown around when speaking of Olise’s worth but a release clause ensured just £8m was enough to see him make the move.

Derby defender Curtis Davies said of Olise last season: "He needs to go [leave Reading] because this lad has got so much ability. His individual ability to take the ball past people, to run with the ball, close feet, [he has got] everything.

"I've been so impressed with him. When Reading came to Derby at the start of the season they ran away with the game and he was massive. I know there will be lots of people out for him."

Some questioned Palace’s decision to allow Andros Townsend to leave this summer after he hit the ground running since his free transfer to Everton.

But with Olise joining a vibrant attack which includes Wilfried Zaha, fellow new arrivals Conor Gallagher and Odsonne Edouard as well as the injured Eberechi Eze, it seems they need not worry.

Capped by France at Under-18s level but also eligible to play for England, Algeria and Nigeria, you sense there could be a similar battle for his international allegiance. 

Arriving in style

Despite the excitement at his capture, four and eight-minute cameos against Tottenham and Liverpool were all fans had seen of their new man in a Palace shirt prior to this weekend.

Any player would struggle to make an impact given that time but Olise needed only 37 minutes to make his mark against Leicester.

With Palace 2-0 down, manager Patrick Vieira introduced him earlier in the game and was rewarded in some style as he proved the catalyst for a stunning comeback.

Minutes after coming on, Leicester’s deficit was halved after Olise controlled on the edge of the box before firing a terrific volley past Kasper Schmeichel.

Many would have been satisfied with scoring their first Premier League goal, but not Olise.

He continued to be a thorn in Leicester’s side on the right side of Palace’s attack, playing a part in Jeffrey Schlupp’s equaliser with a dangerous cross before the same player was inches away from heading in Olise’s corner in the dying embers.

Biding his time

His display will only intensify calls for Viera to unleash him from the start but the Arsenal legend suggested he will continue with a cautious approach with his talented star.

He said: "I think we are all really excited with his talent. We have to understand that he will take time to be a Premier League player.

"We have to keep supporting him to keep developing himself. It is a long season so he will definitely play some games, we have to give him time.

"He had a long injury and is not at his best yet. He will be a really important player for us."

Whenever he is given a chance, you can bet on Olise getting supporters off their seats.