Michael Olise sat alone at the dining table while his France teammates filled plates around him, perfectly capturing the 24-year-old's personality. The Bayern Munich winger avoids spotlight and rarely grants interviews, preferring to let his performances speak. Born in London to a French-Algerian mother and Nigerian-English father, Olise chose France over three other nations, inspired by Zidane and Henry highlights.

His numbers tell the story: 25 goals and 28 assists in 57 games for Bayern this season, plus five goals and one assist in his last nine France caps. A hat trick against Northern Ireland in France's final warm-up demonstrated his clinical finishing and positioning. Deschamps initially deployed Olise as a No. 10 attacking midfielder but shifted him to the right wing, where he can cut inside and maximize impact.

The tactical puzzle involves integrating France's front four of Mbappé, Dembélé, Doué, and Olise effectively. Deschamps waited patiently before Olise's senior debut in September 2024, recognizing his unique profile. After starring at the Olympics where France claimed silver, the winger arrives at his peak.

France faces Senegal on Tuesday in New Jersey needing Olise's creativity and goal threat. His quiet confidence and technical excellence make him indispensable to Deschamps' final World Cup campaign.