Michael Olise produced a brilliant performance against Belgium, scoring twice and providing an assist as he became the first France player to contribute to a goal in each of the first four games under a new coach.
Michael Olise makes France history after stunning performance against Belgium
Michael Olise has written his name into France history after producing a sensational performance in the 4-1 Nations League victory over Belgium.
The Bayern Munich star started on the bench but completely changed the game after coming on in the second half.
Olise provided an assist before scoring twice himself as France completed an impressive comeback.
His performance also helped him achieve a record no France player had managed before.
Olise changes the game against Belgium
France were in a difficult position before Olise entered the pitch.
But the match changed quickly after his introduction.
He first created a goal for Rayan Cherki before scoring twice in the closing stages.
Olise finished the match with two goals and one assist despite playing only part of the game.
Historic record for France
Olise has now directly contributed to at least one goal in each of France’s first four matches under Zinedine Zidane.
According to statistics published after the Belgium match, no France player had ever achieved this in the first four games under a new national-team coach.
Olise has recorded four goals and two assists during that period.
That gives him six direct goal contributions in just four matches under Zidane.
Olise becoming a key player
France have several world-class attacking players, but Olise continues to make a strong impact whenever he is given a chance.
Even when he does not start, his creativity and goal threat make him one of France’s most dangerous attacking options.
The performance against Belgium was another clear example of his growing importance.
22 goal contributions in 29 France appearances
Olise’s overall international record is also becoming increasingly impressive.
He has now reached 11 goals and 11 assists in 29 appearances for France.
That means he has directly contributed to 22 goals during the early stages of his international career.
Reports noted that he became the first French player since Youri Djorkaeff in 1997 to reach at least 22 goal contributions in his first 29 appearances.
Olise matches another major milestone
His goals against Belgium also improved his record against teams ranked inside FIFA’s top 10.
Olise has now scored four times against top-10 opposition, matching a milestone previously achieved by David Trezeguet.
That statistic shows Olise is producing not only against weaker opponents, but also in major matches.
Nations League Golden Boot race heats up
The double against Belgium also moved Olise towards the top of the Nations League scoring charts.
He now has four goals in the competition.
That puts him alongside some of Europe’s biggest attacking names in the race to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
France make history against Belgium
The 4-1 victory also created several milestones for France.
Les Bleus had not scored four goals against Belgium since the 1986 World Cup.
France also moved ahead of Belgium in total head-to-head victories for the first time, recording their 31st win compared with Belgium’s 30.
Olise continues remarkable rise
Olise has developed rapidly in recent seasons and is now showing the same influence for France that he has produced at club level.
With 11 goals, 11 assists and several new records already to his name, his international career is progressing at an impressive speed.
A new star of the France national team
France’s 4-1 win over Belgium will be remembered as another major moment in Olise’s rise.
He came off the bench, created one goal, scored two more and helped France complete an impressive comeback.
Most importantly, Michael Olise became the first France player to contribute to a goal in each of the first four matches under a new national-team coach.
At his current rate, more records may soon follow.
