Why is Crystal Palace’s Michael Akpovie Olise seen as the most desired player in 2022?

It is 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. He accumulates four goals and eight assists in the 24 games he has played -only 12 as a starter- between all competitions, Marca de España publishes.

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 inferiors of Chelsea and Manchester City before arriving at Reading.

His little brother plays for England

I could therefore play with the three lions, just as Richard Olise has done. His little brother, who plays in the Chelsea academy and plays at right back, is an under 16 international 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 swiftly and quickly to make him an offer that he did not hesitate to accept. Hence, until now, his international career is limited to his two appearances with 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. What’s more, Nigeria called him up as a reserve – he was never called up – for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Lesotho.

Algeria has not yet moved, as far as is known, at an official level… but it will not take long to do so. The World Cup is just around the corner and the ‘prince’ of the Palace is trading on the rise. (D)