Arjen Robben has urged supporters and pundits to be careful about comparing Michael Olise with his own game, even as he praised the Bayern Munich winger’s form and style. The former Bayern star said he was very impressed with Olise and could see certain parallels, but stressed that every player has a different way of playing.
Robben said Olise was “very good” against the ball and in possession, describing him as active, creative and sharp in his touches. He added that he is happy to watch the 23-year-old’s performances and can “really enjoy it,” while making clear that he does not like direct comparisons because they flatten what makes a player unique.
The timing matters because Olise has become one of Bayern’s most productive players in a season that has already put the club in control of the Bundesliga and deep into two cup competitions. He has 17 goals and 29 assists across all competitions this season, and Bayern hold a 12-point lead at the top of the league with five matches left while also reaching the latter stages of the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League.
Olise joined Bayern from Crystal Palace in 2024 on a five-year deal, and the move has quickly turned into one of the club’s most effective signings. He has already won a Bundesliga title and the German Super Cup with Bayern, and he is closing in on nearly 90 goal contributions in 97 appearances for the club. Robben’s praise only underlined how far Olise has come in a short time.
The comparison has followed Olise because he often cuts inside from the right flank, the kind of movement that once made Robben one of Bayern’s most recognizable players. But Robben said that is where the similarity ends, calling Olise a different player who is building his own reputation rather than copying anyone else’s.
Bayern now move toward the end of the Bundesliga season as firm favourites to retain the title, while also preparing for the second leg against Real Madrid after their 2-1 first-leg win at the Bernabeu, a match in which Olise played a key role. If the club keeps advancing on both fronts, Olise’s rise will be judged not against Robben’s legacy, but against the trophies and big nights he is already helping deliver.
