Michael Olise hailed by Michel Platini as a classic No 10 for France | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé’s brilliant start has shared the spotlight with Michael Olise, whose display against Sweden confirmed a rare talent for France. Michel Platini has hailed him as a classic No 10.

L'Équipe highlights that the 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32 made Olise the tournament’s talking point, praised more for his service than for a goal of his own. Thierry Henry, who coached him with France’s Olympic side two summers ago, called him the team’s most important player.

Mbappé, at Real Madrid, already ranks among World Cup greats. Olise, at Bayern and in his first finals, has shown no hesitation and delivered at once.

In an era favouring a midfield three, he operates in a role bound to the game’s mythology. He follows a French lineage of Kopa, Platini and Zidane, though 2026 is only the start for this France.

Platini says Olise has all the traits of a traditional playmaker. He argues modern football often shunts creators wide, with Olise on the right for Bayern, similar to Lamine Yamal, yet Didier Deschamps has adapted and, in his view, will be credited with bringing back a No 10.

He adds that the environment matters, with runs and understanding doing half the work. Mbappé and others read Olise’s passes, and Ousmane Dembélé can deliver similar balls.

Even so, true stature demands sustaining this level through the tournament. There remains a risk of a switch to three defensive midfielders for balance, which could cost a No 10. Platini notes Dembélé, Olise and Barcola defend, sees Mbappé working too, and backs keeping a playmaker.

Source: L'Équipe