For Leeds United fans this summer will be one of change, both on and off the pitch.
The club are preparing for a big return to the Premier League, and the excitement surrounding the club’s transfer business is palpable. The latest name to be linked to the club is Micahel Olise. The Reading midfielder is a French youth international, but what would he bring to Marcelo Bielsa’s side?
Background
Olise joined Reading’s academy in 2016 after spells with Manchester City and Chelsea. Olise made his debut for the Royals against Leeds no less, in March 2019.
He signed a three-year professional contract with Reading a few months later in July. A versatile player, Olise has played on both flanks in central midfield and attacking midfield for Reading this season across 27 games. During that period he has recorded two assists.
Strengths
When looking at the data for last season among Reading players, what sticks out instantly is Olise’s passing.
In the league last season He sat third among Reading central and attacking midfielders for forward passes per 90 minutes, with 11.33 (source: Wyscout). Of that trio, including John Swift and Charlie Adam, the youngster had the best forward pass accuracy (69.94%).
When it came to forward pass accuracy among all the midfielders that played over 500 minutes only Ovie Ejaria (82.91%), and Felipe Araruna (72.73%) had a better accuracy than Olise (69.94%). He was also third for Reading when it came to final third passes per 90 minutes (5.76) behind John Swift (6.89) and Charlie Adam (14.27) and managed second best final third pass accuracy among midfielders that managed over 500 minutes(73.86%) behind Ejaria (75.64%).
It would seem that Olise is far more comfortable operating centrally where he can create in more space, and using his dribbling ability.
Unsurprisingly he was second (0.52) in for key passes per 90 minutes, and fourth for second assists per 90 minutes with 0.07. Of the midfielders that played over 1,000 minutes last season he also recorded the highest through balls per 90 minutes average, with 1.18.
Weaknesses
The key for Olise moving forward is consistency and becoming a greater goal threat. His end product can sometimes be wayward, but it feels overly-harsh to criticise that aspect in a player so young.
Time and regular minutes will smooth out most of his rough edges.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why Leeds are tempted by the prospect of Olise. He would likely slot into several positions in the Leeds team and that versatility will appeal to Marcelo Bielsa.
At the same time, it feels like a difficult deal to justify.
Reading will understandably want a lot of money for a player with several years remaining on his contract and with a lot of untapped potential --perhaps close to £10million, if not more. It also feels a little bit too early for Olise to make the jump up to the Premier League, and another season with Reading should help bring him on further.
