Adrian Clarke examines the implications of Michael Olise's transfer to Bayern Munich on Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old winger had an impressive record, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in just 19 Premier League matches during the 2023/24 season, despite being sidelined for half of it due to hamstring injuries.
When in form, Olise's productivity was unmatched among Premier League players, solidifying his reputation as a top attacking talent. His left-footed skills set him apart, making it challenging for head coach Oliver Glasner to find a suitable replacement. Olise outperformed teammate Eberechi Eze in creativity, expertly maneuvering past defenders and contributing significantly to Palace’s attacking play.
Statistically, Olise was Palace's most impactful player, ranking in the top ten for various key performance metrics in the Premier League. His contributions included an impressive average of 0.63 left-footed goals, 0.42 assists, and 4.02 shots per game, highlighting his essential role in the team's offense.
His ability to carry the ball was another significant asset. Operating in a 3-4-2-1 formation alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta, he and Eze ranked high for successful dribbles. Identifying a creative replacement who can drive forward with the ball will be crucial for Glasner.
Throughout the season, Olise's presence notably enhanced Palace’s overall performance. The team scored double the goals when he played, suggesting they could have achieved around 67 points in a full season if he had remained healthy, potentially securing a fifth-place finish.
When comparing matches with and without Olise, the difference in results was stark; the team won more and averaged significantly higher points per game when he started. Glasner's tactical shift, placing Olise in a more central role, proved beneficial, as demonstrated by his standout performance against Manchester United.
Under Glasner, Olise's appearances correlated with a marked improvement in team form, as Palace averaged over three goals per match during that period. Although Olise was not the sole factor, his influence was clear.
Looking ahead, with Daniel Munoz providing width as an attacking right-wing back, Palace will likely seek a player who can replicate Olise's inner attacking style. The current formation favors players who can cut in rather than traditional wingers, making a left-footed player a priority for Glasner.
Recently, Palace acquired Daichi Kamada, who previously played under Glasner, and have been connected with Sunderland's Jack Clarke and Norway's Antonio Nusa. While they fit the profile, neither is a left-footer. A potential target could be Marcus Edwards, who has excelled at Sporting Lisbon and possesses the necessary skills and playing style similar to Olise.
Glasner's attacking approach was highly effective towards the end of the 2023/24 season. Finding a player who can impact the squad as significantly as Olise will be challenging, but Glasner is likely to identify someone with similar attributes.