Newcastle United target Michael Olise was back to his scintillating best as Crystal Palace made lightwork of Manchester United on Monday night.
The France U21 international scored in either half to ensure of a 4-0 triumph to heap more pressure on Erik ten Hag. His first of the night came with relative ease as he waltzed past challenges from Christian Eriksen and Casemiro before finding the bottom corner. Olise doubled his tally and completed the evening’s scoring as he rifled a shot from just inside the box, with questions asked of goalkeeper Andre Onana.
And it has been reported that the Magpies have rekindled their interest in the Frenchman. Olise has been on Newcastle’s radar since his time at Reading, and Eddie Howe will be hopeful of striking a deal to aid their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
But following the display, Jamie Carragher, who was covering the fixture for Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, was impressed with Olise’s display. The former Liverpool defender admitted the Frenchman, alongside team-mate Eberechi Eze, could play for anyone in the Premier League.
“You look at his performance tonight, and they could almost play for anyone in this league,” Carragher started.
“I was thinking in terms of Crystal Palace, they always used to go to Wilfried Zaha, and he was always spoke about when he was missing. He was fantastic for Crystal Palace, probably their best player in the Premier League era, but I actually think these two are better.”
“They have maybe not had the longevity of Zaha at Crystal Palace, and that is the next key question. Will they have that longevity?”
Newcastle head into their final three games of the season in sixth position, four points behind Tottenham Hotspur. Howe’s side have to travel to Old Trafford next week, and know maximum points is a must to ensure of a place in the Europe next season with Chelsea and United breathing down their necks.
And the importance of achieving European football is key to Olise’s next destination. The 22-year-old was pursued by the Blues and PSG last summer, insisting he wants to play Champions League football when he leaves Selhurst Park.
“These two players can play Champions League football. Or certainly European football without a doubt,” Carragher said on the potential of Olise leaving the club in the near future.
“They are going to want do that and it might be hard to do that at Crystal Palace. The players intentions will be as important as the club’s and you couldn’t bemoan if one of them wanted to move on if they get a big offer from a club in the Champions League.”
