Chelsea’s pursuit of Michael Olise, the Crystal Palace winger, is gaining momentum. At 22, Olise has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents, attracting interest from top clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle United, and, of course, Chelsea.

Here, we delve into five key reasons why Chelsea is particularly keen on securing Olise’s services.

1) Exceptional Versatility and Creativity

Michael Olise’s versatility on the field is one of his standout attributes. Predominantly playing on the right wing, he has the capability to drift centrally and influence the game from various positions. This flexibility is crucial for a team like Chelsea, which often rotates its squad to maintain freshness and adapt to different tactical demands.

Olise’s creativity is reflected in his impressive rate of 5.86 take-ons per 90 minutes during the 2023-24 season. This is significantly higher than many of his peers in the Premier League and suggests he is adept at breaking down defenses and creating opportunities. For Chelsea, a team that occasionally struggles to break down compact defenses, Olise’s ability to unlock tight spaces could be invaluable.

2) Impressive Goal and Assist Production

In the 2023-24 season, Olise scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists despite being limited to just 19 appearances due to a hamstring injury. This output highlights his efficiency and effectiveness in the final third. His performance against Manchester United, where he scored twice in a 4-0 victory, showcased his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations against top opposition.

Olise’s non-penalty goals came from an expected-goals (xG) figure of only 4.7, indicating his sharp finishing ability. Furthermore, his six assists followed his record-setting 11 assists for Crystal Palace in the 2022-23 season. This dual threat as both a scorer and a provider makes him a valuable asset for any top club, particularly Chelsea, which aims to diversify its scoring options.