The French national team is once again under the spotlight as they prepare for the second round of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. On September 9, Les Bleus will lock horns with Iceland in a crucial encounter that could set the tone for the rest of their campaign. Ahead of this fixture, Antoine Griezmann spoke with passion and confidence about his younger teammate, Michael Oliseh, a player who is quickly emerging as one of the most promising figures in French football.
Griezmann, who has himself been the face of French football for years, highlighted Oliseh’s versatility, creativity, and ability to inject life into any game. His comments are more than simple praise; they are a clear indication that Oliseh has earned the respect of some of the most experienced names in the squad.
Michael Oliseh’s rise has been steady and consistent. While not yet a global superstar, he has been making waves with his club performances, where he delivered one of the most productive seasons of his career. Playing 55 matches across competitions, Oliseh scored 20 goals and produced 23 assists, a rare balance that highlights both his finishing instincts and his playmaking ability. These numbers reveal a player who does not simply wait for opportunities but actively creates them. His vision on the ball allows him to split defenses with passes, while his pace and agility make him a nightmare for full-backs. Whether deployed on the wing or through the center, Oliseh has shown that he can adapt and remain effective against different styles of opposition.
It is this adaptability that has caught the attention of French selectors and teammates alike. In a national team brimming with attacking options, carving out a space is no easy feat, yet Oliseh seems to be doing it with confidence.Antoine Griezmann’s public words about Oliseh should not be underestimated. Griezmann has played under world-class managers, won international trophies, and shared the pitch with some of the best players of his generation. For him to openly describe Oliseh as “the kind of player who will be very useful for our team” is a major statement.
This endorsement also carries psychological weight. Younger players often look up to seasoned stars for validation, and Griezmann’s praise will surely boost Oliseh’s confidence. In a competitive environment like the French national team, where only the best survive, such backing can be decisive in helping a player cement his place in the squad.French football has long been defined by its attacking talents. From Michel Platini’s elegance in the 1980s to Zinedine Zidane’s genius in the 1990s and early 2000s, and from Thierry Henry’s lightning pace to the modern brilliance of Kylian Mbappé, France has always produced players who can turn a game on its head.
Oliseh now steps into this tradition. While comparisons to legends should be made carefully, his versatility and numbers suggest that he could be the next in line to uphold this legacy. He may not yet have the global fame of Mbappé or the seniority of Griezmann, but his playing style fits the French philosophy of creativity, flair, and attacking risk-taking.While Oliseh is still carving out his path, some comparisons already emerge. His creative spark recalls memories of a young Franck Ribéry, who could dominate flanks with skill and vision. His calmness and technical quality in central roles bring back shades of Youri Djorkaeff, the silent architect of France’s 1998 World Cup triumph.
France’s upcoming match against Iceland is not expected to be a walkover. Iceland has proven in recent years that they can frustrate stronger teams with their physical play and disciplined defense. For France, this means breaking down a low block and finding creative ways to score. This is precisely where Oliseh can shine.
With his ability to carry the ball, take on defenders, and create space in tight areas, he may be the player who unlocks Iceland’s defensive wall. Even if he does not start, his presence as a substitute could provide the spark that changes the match’s outcome.While the qualifiers are the immediate focus, the broader horizon is, of course, the World Cup in 2026. France has one of the deepest squads in the world, but tournaments are not won by star power alone. Success often comes down to players who rise at the right moment, delivering when the stakes are highest.
