Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace: Dan Cook drops claim on Michael Olise’s continued lack of minutes

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Image for Crystal Palace: Dan Cook drops claim on Michael Olise’s continued lack of minutes

Dan Cook has been speaking on the HLTCO podcast about Michael Olise’s continued absence from the Crystal Palace starting lineup.

Olise was a bright spark whenever handed a chance last season for Palace finishing as the top-ranked player when it came to goal-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League for the Eagles (FBref).

However, this season has not got off to the best of starts for the young winger having only been afforded 22 minutes thus far, which may not be about change anytime soon while Palace continue to impress having only lost to Arsenal thus far.

Cook believes that it’s Olise’s lack of defensive ability and physicality compared to Jordan Ayew that is potentially holding him back.

“People don’t appreciate fully the role that he [Ayew], as a defensive winger, satisfies really in what Patrick Vieira wants from him week after week.

“I love Michael Olise as much as anyone, but I think there is probably an element of my thought process, and I dare say the coaching staff as well, where his style and the way that he just looks to get forward whenever he has an opportunity can potentially leave us a little bit hamstrung at the back.

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“Whereas Jordan Ayew is someone that can be relied upon to hold the ball up, to be niggly, to win fouls, to frustrate the opposition, and really set the groundwork for us to go on in the final 25-30 minutes of games, particularly at home against sides like Aston Villa, and really put them under the cosh.”

TIF Thoughts on Olise’s situation at Palace…

It will be very concerning for both Olise and some Crystal Palace fans as a continued lack of game time may see the winger question his future at Selhurst Park which would be a major blow given the natural talent he possesses.

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Selhurst Park, Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace

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Vieira certainly has a plethora of attacking options with the likes of Malcolm Ebiowei, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Olise all having to take up a spot on the bench against Aston Villa, so competition is very high.

Therefore, Olise is going to have to ensure he’s on form in training and then whenever handed a chance to impress, potentially this midweek in the Carabao Cup, grasp it immediately with both hands.

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