Michael Olise Named France's Most Important Player Over Mbappe

Michael Olise has been recognized by Thierry Henry as France's "most important player" after their 3-1 World Cup victory over Senegal, overshadowing Kylian Mbappe's historic scoring feats. Although Mbappe became France's all-time leading scorer with two goals in the match, Henry emphasized Olise's critical role in the team's performance.

During the game, Mbappe scored twice, bringing his total to 58 goals for Les Bleus, and extended his World Cup goal tally to 14. However, Henry highlighted Olise’s influence as the key factor in France’s success. The Bayern Munich midfielder controlled the tempo, completing 76 touches and creating four chances, including the assist for Mbappe’s opening goal. Henry observed that the match’s momentum shifted significantly when Olise took a more central position in the second half.

Speaking as a FOX Sports analyst, Henry praised Olise’s tactical impact, stating that while Mbappe remains the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP), Olise is emerging as the Most Important Player (MIP). Henry said, "[Mbappe] will always be our MVP. Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, most important player. Kylian answered the call and I was very confident. I said I will back him to answer the call and he did. He will always be our MVP. Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, the most important player."

The match itself was initially slow for France, with the team managing only one shot in the first half—their lowest in a World Cup group stage match since 1966, according to Opta. Tactical changes allowed Olise to take a central role, which Henry credited with disrupting Senegal’s transitions and defensive organization. Henry explained that Olise’s positional awareness and defensive contributions prevented Senegal’s midfielders from gaining possession, stating, "He sees everything. He has an impact on games that I cannot explain to you. If you make one mistake of not being aware of what he's going to do, he will punish you with a pass."

Henry further noted that Olise’s presence in the middle of the pitch was instrumental in making the French team function effectively. "The impact he had in the second half made the team tick," he added.

France has long sought a creative midfielder to fill the role of a traditional number 10, and Henry believes Olise fits this profile. According to Opta, Olise provided 28 assists across club and international matches this season, the highest tally in the five major European leagues. Henry concluded, "In that connection that we need from midfield defense to him…that’s the guy we’ve been missing for a long time in France. That little number 10, I think that is his position."

As the World Cup knockout stages approach, the collaboration between Mbappe, the MVP, and Olise, the MIP, is expected to be central to France’s pursuit of the trophy.