Michael Olise Shines Amidst Crystal Palace’s Defeat to Bournemouth

Despite Crystal Palace’s setback against Bournemouth on Wednesday, one player stood out as a beacon of excellence—Michael Olise.

Roy Hodgson faces challenges following Crystal Palace’s recent 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, leveling the points between the two teams. The defeat poses a significant blow to Palace, especially with a challenging Christmas fixture list featuring matches against Liverpool, Manchester City, Brighton, and Chelsea.

In the midst of the disappointment, Michael Olise emerged as a vital contributor, showcasing remarkable skills throughout the game. Positioned on the right side, Olise earned a SofaScore rating of 7.7 out of 10, though many argue that this undervalues his performance.

Having played the entire match, Olise made an impressive 80 touches on the ball, completing 40 passes out of 48 attempts with an accuracy of 83%. His influence extended beyond mere passes, as he delivered five key passes and created a significant chance, revealing the need for a sharper finishing touch from teammates Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard.

Dribbling down the right, Olise posed a constant threat, completing five dribbles out of six attempts, drawing four fouls from Bournemouth defenders and earning as many free-kicks for Palace.

Defensively, Olise demonstrated his commitment to the team with 11 duels won and two tackles won, further showcasing his well-rounded contribution.

While the loss to Bournemouth may leave Olise questioning his decision to stay at Selhurst Park, his standout performance amid a disappointing night underscores his value. As the only attacker who excelled, Olise’s efforts deserve recognition and support. Failure to provide the talented player with the backing he deserves may lead to considerations of seeking new opportunities, a scenario that would be regrettable given his current level of talent.