Toni Kroos Impressed by Michael Olise
To impress Toni Kroos, you have to be truly extraordinary—and that is exactly what Michael Olise accomplished. After his performance against PSG, the German legend did not hesitate to praise the Frenchman’s level, describing him as “simply impressive.”
On the podcast Einfach mal Luppen, the former German player spoke highly of Olise, who is currently enjoying one of the best moments of his career. Kroos placed special emphasis on the footballing battle he had with Nuno Mendes, whom he considers the best left-back in the world.
“He does whatever he wants against the best left-back in the world,” said Kroos. During the match, the Portuguese defender was unable to contain Olise, who was a constant force down the wing. This is unusual for Mendes, a defender known for dominating one-on-one duels and contributing easily to the attack. Against Bayern, however, he struggled due to the Frenchman’s level.
Elite Comparisons and Ballon d’Or Contention
Olise’s impact has been so significant that, in France, major comparisons are already being made. Speaking to RMC, Christophe Dugarry stated that the attacker “has traits” of Zinedine Zidane, particularly in the way he carries the ball, changes pace, and finds spaces between the lines.
Michael Olise’s season has been spectacular and already places him among the names considered for the Ballon d’Or. He has recorded 20 goals and 29 assists in 47 matches—impressive numbers that reflect his offensive influence. Beyond the statistics, what truly stands out is his ability to break lines, create advantages, and decide matches.
The World Cup as the Decisive Stage
After this season with Bayern, Olise will face another major stage: the World Cup with France. Les Bleus will once again be among the favorites, and a strong performance could push him even further in the Ballon d’Or race. For now, his main competitor appears to be his teammate Harry Kane, who is also enjoying the best form of his career. All signs point to the World Cup ultimately being the key factor between the two.
