It’s World Cup year and Michael Akpovie Olise (Hammersmith, 12-12-2001) is about to create a ‘diplomatic conflict’ in terms of football. The Crystal Palace youngster, signed this summer from Reading for €9.3m, is doing well in his debut season in the Premier League. Accumulate four goals and eight assists in the 24 games he has played -only 12 as a starter- among all competitions.
Hence, it has up to four national teams!!! to choose. Let’s go by parts. Michael Olise was born and raised in England. In fact, he went through the youth teams of Chelsea and Manchester City before arriving at Reading.
His little brother plays for England
He could, therefore, play with the ‘three lions’, just as he has done Richard Olise. His little brother, who plays in the Chelsea academy and is He plays right back, he is an international under 16 with England.
He is international under 18 with France
However, Michael Olise, who can act as a midfielder, midfielder or winger, chose another path. His mother was born in France and ‘les bleus’ moved quickly and swiftly to make him an offer that he did not hesitate to accept. Hence, until now, his international career has been limited to his two appearances for France under 18.
Nigeria and Algeria squeeze
Michael Olise is a melting pot of cultures. His father is Nigerian and his mother, born in France, has Algerian roots. The ‘Super Eagles’ have already moved ‘token’ to press. It is more, Nigeria summons him as a reserve -did not get to be summoned- for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Lesotho.
Algeria has not yet moved, as far as is known, at the official level… but it will not take long to do so. The World Cup is just around the corner and the Palace ‘prince’ is on the rise.
