Arsenal legend Martin Keown has hailed Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and thinks he has been “magnificent” for the Eagles.
Michael Olise has just put pen to paper on a new deal, ending Chelsea’s pursuit of him for the time being. According to BBC Sport, the Blues were set to sign the 21-year-old after initially activating his release clause.
Speaking about Crystal Palace and their wide man on talkSPORT, Keown said: “I think it’s very significant [that Palace have kept hold of Olise]. We know they haven’t really bought anybody in the summer, but it’s imperative now that [Wilfried] Zaha has gone that they pin something on this player because I do think he’s an incredible talent.
“If we looked at the end of last season when they pretty well lit Leeds down, he had three assists. I think he’s the youngest player to do that in the Premier League. This guy is top drawer.”
The former England defender later went on to add: “He was a slow burner I’d have to say, but now he’s been quite magnificent.”
Michael Olise’s new contract could be game-changing for Crystal Palace
Palace could have been in real trouble had Olise not signed a fresh deal and joined Chelsea.
The Eagles, of course, have already lost Zaha, who was their talisman. To watch Olise depart Selhurst Park as well would have been an absolute killer blow.
He was their creative spark last season, registering 11 assists in 37 Premier League appearances. Without that ability to make chances and Zaha’s goals, Palace would have probably be on course for a relegation battle.
Replacing both players would have been a near-impossible task, so Roy Hodgson will be relieved that it is just one of the two that he has lost.
Even with Olise sticking around, Palace could still find themselves getting caught up in a relegation battle. It is something that they flirted with last term until Patrick Vieira was sacked and replaced by Hodgson.
But by keeping a player of Olise’s quality, it will at least help give them a chance if they do go on to get sucked into a scrap at the bottom of the table.
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