Ex-Liverpool boss believes Michael Olise is 'up there' with Steven Gerrard

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Michael Olise has established himself as one of the very best wide forwards in world soccer, and he is highly rated by former England and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson

Michael Olise in action for Bayern Munich(Image: 2026 Ion Alcoba Beitia)

Michael Olise is dominating the headlines today after producing a stunning performance during Bayern Munich's 2-1 win away to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Olise — who has been linked with Liverpool — was the best player on the pitch as Bayern recorded an impressive victory, and he racked up his 29th assist for the season in all competitions as Harry Kane scored Bayern's second goal of the game.

The former Crystal Palace player has also bagged 16 goals during his second season with the Bavarian giant, and he is firmly in the conversation at the moment to be the best wide forward in world soccer.

Before joining Bayern in 2024, Olise spent three seasons at Palace, and some of that time was spent playing under former England boss Roy Hodgson.

During a recent podcast appearance, Hodgson spoke about just how highly he rated the France international, saying that he possess quality that was comparable to two modern-day English greats.

“I mean, Michael Olise certainly is up there with Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard among the best players I’ve ever worked with," Hodgson said.

Despite flourishing for one of the biggest clubs in world soccer, Olise has been linked with a possible return to the Premier League with Liverpool.

There is set to be a spot up for grabs on Liverpool's right flank next term after Mohamed Salah announced earlier this month that he will leave the Anfield club at the end of the season.

Salah's announcement saw the speculation linking the Reds with a move for Olise intensify, but there has been no suggestion that the 24-year-old is eyeing a move away from Bayern.

Following Olise's masterclass at the Bernabeu, Reds legend Steven Gerrard admitted that he would "love" to see Olise join Liverpool in the summer — but does not see that happening.

Steven Gerrard would love to see Olise join Liverpool(Image: Getty)

“[I would take Olise at Liverpool] all day long but the problem is, why would he leave Bayern Munich?" Gerrard said.

“[They’re a] big club, they’re challenging for the big honours, probably the strongest Bayern Munich team we’ve seen for a while.

“He’s about to take the World Cup by storm come the summer. He looks like a really happy kid, settled.

“I don’t think he’s going anywhere, but yes, I would love him at Liverpool. And you know what, I wouldn’t mind [Luis] Diaz back as well.”