"It's a freer role" – Michael Olise reveals preferred position

Michael Olise has admitted he prefers a central role over playing out wide.

Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Bayern Munich and France star Michael Olise has opened up about where he feels most comfortable playing.

The 24-year-old has often been deployed as a right winger for both club and country, but as he tells L’Équipe, he actually prefers operating in a more central role.

“Where do I feel most comfortable? I think it’s as a number 10. It’s a freer role. I grew up playing as a number 10. So for me, it feels more natural,” Olise said, adding:

“Well, maybe not at the moment, because I’m playing on the wing today, but I think that’s what feels most natural to me.”

In the same interview, Olise also opened up about the origins of his creative style of play.

“I’d say it comes from street football,” he told L’Équipe (via @iMiaSanMia).

“We’d play outside with my brother, kicking the ball against the wall, doing 1v1s and all that. I’d say it comes from there, yes. It’s a different kind of football, but it’s definitely a way to learn.

“Football, in those conditions, is just freedom. It wasn’t learning in the strict sense either. I simply enjoyed playing football. I loved it, plain and simple. Well, I think everyone loves it when they’re young.”