As part of a new series on players signed by Palace, Alex Pewter looks at new arrival Michael Olise, and what the club can expect of him over the course of the next season.
Background
Michael Olise's move from Reading to Crystal Palace, reported to be for a fee of just £8m, makes him the second teenage transfer signing for the first team since the club's promotion to the Premier League. Without the initial injury worries that have plagued Nathan Ferguson since his arrival, Olise will be in immediate contention to play a sizeable role under Head Coach Patrick Vieira. With this transfer, Dougie Freedman, tasked with overhauling the oldest squad in the division, has an immediate statement signing.
Despite being just 19 years old, Olise already has over 50 starts at Championship level. After debuting in March 2019, he established himself in the Reading lineup halfway through the following season. Olise has been a crucial part of Reading's side throughout the 2020/21 season, as they chased a playoff berth. His contribution saw him named as part of the PFA Championship Team of the Year, netting seven goals and 12 assists.
Born in London, Olise has already been capped twice by France at the U18 level. He is eligible for France, England, Nigeria, and Algeria via his parentage.
Playing Style
The easy comparison to make for any attacking midfielder coming from the Championship is Ebere Eze. Much like Eze at QPR, he is primarily an attacking midfielder capable of floating and operating on either flank. As a left-footed player, he was particularly effective in attacking central areas cutting in from the right side, physically coping with the rigours of the Championship when carrying the ball.
Olise's standout attribute is his passing, showing maturity and vision beyond his years. Often patient when in possession, he has many highlight-worthy passes into space, breaking the defence. Reading's Manager Veljko Paunović entrusted him with a high volume of set pieces, which helped boost his assist numbers, as he ended up as one of the most frequent crossers in his division last season.
For an in-depth breakdown of Olise's performances last season Mario Husillos Jr. broke down the midfielder's performances in January 2021 for Total Football Analysis.
Outlook
The expectations of any player jumping from Championship to Premier League level need to be realistic, even following a very productive season. With the long-term injury to Eze and Andros Townsend currently unsigned, there is a creative void at Crystal Palace on paper, which Olise may need to help fill immediately.
There isn't a clear picture of how Patrick Vieira will line up this Palace squad until the pre-season. Given his history of leaning on young players like Kasper Dolberg and Jack Harrison at OGC Nice and New York City, it's unlikely the system will inhibit a young player from contributing. Roy Hodgson's approach may have helped to build the defensive side of player's games, but there was a barrier for entry for many types of attacking players. Realistically, with a difficult season ahead, Olise will need to be given the freedom to replicate his performances at Reading.
From the long-term perspective, this is a signing that Palace fans have been starved of in many previous summers. There is speculation and risk to any young player, but given the potential upside, it is the type of transfer the club needs to be making. If this is the future vision the club has in mind, paired with the academy, the future certainly is exciting.