Olise Suddenly at Number 10: Kompany Explains His New Plan for Bayern | OneFootball

Michael Olise is no longer exclusively playing on the right wing for FC Bayern. Vincent Kompany frequently deploys his star attacker in the center, letting him play in the number 10 position. The Frenchman also took on this role in the 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg.

This raises an interesting question: Could Olise play more frequently as a playmaker behind Harry Kane in the future?

Kompany apparently doesn’t want to commit to a fixed position for his key player. Rather, the Bayern coach is focused on giving Olise as much freedom as possible and placing him in the spaces where he can best showcase his exceptional qualities.

It is precisely the 24-year-old’s offensive flexibility that opens up various possibilities for Kompany.

Kompany explains the difference at the “10” position

After the away win in Elversberg, Kompany was specifically asked about Olise’s role as the number 10 and whether this would also be an option for the future.

“Michael has a lot of freedom. It’s about positioning him where he’s most dangerous. The biggest difference when playing in the No. 10 position lies in defense, since you don’t have fullbacks behind you—but with the ball, I give Michael a lot of freedom—he can pose a threat from both positions. That’s important.”

Kompany therefore sees the key difference between the two roles primarily in the work off the ball. Offensively, however, Olise shouldn’t be tied to a fixed position anyway.

This fits the style of play the Frenchman consistently demonstrates at Bayern. Even when he nominally starts on the right wing, he’s often drawn into the half-spaces and the center. From there, he can finish himself, set up teammates, or create danger with his dribbling.

Olise’s flexibility opens up new possibilities for Kompany

Photo: IMAGO

For Bayern, this versatility could prove particularly valuable as the season progresses. Kompany has numerous offensive players who can play multiple positions. This allows the coach to change roles and positions even during a match.

However, Kompany explicitly did not announce a permanent move for Olise to the number 10 position in his statements. Rather, the Bayern coach appears to view both positions as options.

For Olise himself, it likely matters less whether the lineup sheet lists him on the right or in the center next to his name. Kompany’s idea is clear: His star attacker should find himself in situations as often as possible where he can make the biggest difference.

And to that end, Olise apparently enjoys nearly complete freedom at FC Bayern.