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It’s been four years since Michael Olise left Reading for Crystal Palace, and the journey he has been on during that time has been immense.
The 23-year-old came through the academies of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City but it was at the Select Car Leasing Stadium where he was finally given the opportunity to shine.
However, in the background during his time with the Royals was plenty of financial problems and those issues have only just been fixed, with Rob Couhig now the owner of Reading.
Nevertheless, it was clear to see his talents during his time in the Championship with the Berkshire outfit, and his manager then was very complimentary of him.
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Veljko Paunovic knew exactly what Reading had in Michael Olise
Olise made his debut for Reading at the end of 2018/19, and he slowly started to become a more crucial part of the first team in the years after.
In 2020/21, Olise was the star of the show at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, ending the season with seven goals and 12 assists in 44 games.
His then manager, Veljko Paunovic, was full of praise for the winger and he predicted him to go on to big things following a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest – yet he wanted more. He said (via: FourFourTwo.com): “Michael is super talented. He had a very good game. When the team plays well, individuals will pop up and show their talent.
“Everyone else had solid performances, everyone else had their moments. We acknowledge Michael’s talent but he also has to keep learning. He still needs to grow. He still has things that he can implement in the future and be an even better player.”
Paunovic concluded: “This is why I encourage him not to get content with what he is right now but to go on and show what he can be. We all see huge potential in him. It’s not good for him to think that he has it done it, he must stay humble and focused.”
Michael Olise has been incredible in the Club World Cup
Olise left Reading for Crystal Palace in 2021, with BBC Sport reporting the fee to be only £8m. It was a bargain deal and the Royals will still feel hard done by from it.
The Eagles lost him to Bayern Munich just a year ago, with the German giants spending a little over £50m on the French international, according to Sky Sports. He has excelled in the Bundesliga since then.
However, it has been in the Club World Cup over the last week where he has proven just how good he truly is.
Olise has been the standout player in the competition, and he has fulfilled his potential, just as Paunovic expected him to all those years ago as he was making a name for himself in the Championship.