Michael Olise can lead Bayern Munich 'without being a loudmouth' as Thomas Muller compares ex-Crystal Palace man to Franck Ribery

In an interview with Sport Bild, the German legend hailed Olise as Bayern’s “absolute top performer” and even drew parallels with former team-mate Ribery. Muller, who left Bayern Munich after 25 years with the club, believes the Frenchman has the qualities to become a future leader for the club, pointing to his confidence and ability to take responsibility on the pitch without needing to be vocal. 

Olise joined Bayern from Crystal Palace last summer for a fee of around €60 million (£51m/$65m), signing a five-year deal until June 2029. His first season in Munich couldn’t have gone much better, scoring 17 goals, providing 17 assists, and lifting the first team trophy of his career with the Bundesliga title. Muller, who made his MLS debut for Vancouver Whitecaps recently, also insisted Bayern won’t lack leadership after his departure. He highlighted Aleksandar Pavlovic and Josip Stanisic as role models who “absolutely embody FC Bayern.” 

Muller heaped high praise on former Crystal Palace midfielder, saying: "He can become the player who leads the way for Bayern in the future, as Franck Ribery did in my time.

“Olise is a guy who clearly signals: ‘Give me the ball, I’ll take care of it!’ That’s how you can lead a team without being a big loudmouth."

Bayern, who recently won the German Supercup after defeating Stuttgart, will begin their Bundesliga campaign on August 22 against RB Leipzig, with Olise expected to play a central role in their attack. Fans will be eager to see if the 23-year-old can build on his breakout season and live up to Muller’s high praise.