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Thierry Henry has stated that Michael Olise has now surpassed Kylian Mbappe as France’s “most important player” following their commanding 3-1 triumph over Senegal at the World Cup. Although Mbappe made history by becoming the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer during the match, it was Bayern Munich’s Olise who earned the admiration of the French legend.

Olise shines in France’s win over Senegal

Mbappe stole the spotlight with a brace in France’s 3-1 win, officially becoming Les Bleus’ top scorer of all time with 58 goals. However, Henry believes the true driving force behind France’s success was Olise. The former Arsenal striker highlighted that Olise’s influence is what allows the team to perform at its best.

Speaking in his role as a FOX Sports analyst, Henry praised Olise’s control of the game’s rhythm. The midfielder recorded 76 touches and created four chances, including the key assist for Mbappe’s first goal. Henry observed that France’s overall play improved significantly once Olise moved into a central position during the second half.

Henry separates MVP from MIP

Even though Mbappe’s two goals took his World Cup tally to 14 – leaving him just two short of the tournament’s all-time leading scorers Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose – Henry carefully differentiated between individual brilliance and tactical significance. While he continues to regard Mbappe as France’s most valuable player, Henry suggested that Olise has become the team’s structural cornerstone in the attacking third.

Henry said: “Mbappe will always be our MVP. Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, most important player. Kylian answered the call and I was very confident. I said I would back him to answer the call and he did. He will always be our MVP. Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, the most important player.”

The tactical change that unlocked Senegal

The match remained evenly balanced after a slow first half, where France managed only one shot – their lowest total in a World Cup group stage game since Opta began collecting data in 1966. A tactical shift after the break allowed Bayern Munich’s playmaker to take control. Henry highlighted how Olise’s defensive positioning and spatial awareness disrupted Senegal’s transitions and limited their attacking rhythm.

Henry elaborated: “I like the way he plays and I think the game changed in the second half when he moved into the number 10 role. I know he created that goal on the right for Kylian Mbappe, but when he played centrally, he stopped Senegal from playing. He prevented their midfielders from receiving the ball. He sees everything and has an impact that’s hard to describe. If you lose focus for even a moment, he’ll punish you with a pass. His influence in the second half made the team tick.”

Discovering France’s long-missing link

For years, France have searched for a true creative fulcrum to connect their star-studded attack. Henry believes that Olise – who has delivered 28 assists across club and international competitions this season, more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues according to Opta – perfectly fits that role. His vision and passing ability provide the connection that the team has lacked between midfield and attack.

Henry concluded: “That link between midfield, defence, and him – that’s what we’ve been missing in France for a long time. That little number 10 role, I think that’s where he belongs.” As the knockout rounds approach, the partnership between France’s “Most Valuable Player” and their “Most Important Player” could prove decisive in their pursuit of another World Cup title.

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