France vs Senegal Player Ratings: Why Michael Olise Was My Man of the Match

When I looked at the final score of France’s 3-1 win over Senegal, it would have been easy to think this was a comfortable victory for the former world champions. But after watching the game, I felt the scoreline did not tell the full story.

Senegal made life very difficult for France, especially in the first half. They defended well, pressed with confidence and created some excellent chances. Nicolas Jackson hit the post, while Ismaïla Sarr missed what looked like a certain goal. At that stage, France were struggling to find their rhythm.

Kylian Mbappé eventually grabbed the headlines with two goals and became France’s all-time leading scorer, but for me, Michael Olise was the real star of the show.

The Bayern Munich winger was involved in almost everything good France did in attack. Every time he got on the ball, something happened. His movement, passing and decision-making caused problems for Senegal throughout the game. He produced a brilliant assist for Mbappé’s opening goal and constantly looked like France’s most creative player.

That is why I am giving Olise a rating of 9.5 out of 10. He was my Man of the Match.

Mbappé deserves plenty of praise as well. He was quiet in the first half but came alive after the break. His first goal settled France’s nerves, while his second was a stunning long-range strike. I am giving him a 9.0.

At the back, Dayot Upamecano was outstanding. He dealt well with Senegal’s attacking threats and helped France stay in control when the game became physical. He earns an 8.2.

Bradley Barcola made a big impact from the bench and took his goal brilliantly. He gets a 7.8, while Adrien Rabiot receives a 7.7 for another disciplined midfield display and an assist.

Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jules Koundé both earn 7.4 after improving significantly in the second half. William Saliba gets a 7.2 after making an important tackle to deny Jackson a scoring chance.

Ousmane Dembélé receives a 6.8 after a quiet performance, while Theo Hernández gets a 6.3. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan earns a 6.2 after a shaky first half, although he had little chance of stopping Senegal’s goal.

For Senegal, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was their best player. Despite conceding three times, he made several important saves and kept his side in the game for long periods. He deserves an 8.0.

Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye impressed me with his brilliant late goal and earns a 7.5. El Hadji Malick Diouf receives a 7.3 for a strong display on both sides of the pitch, while Iliman Ndiaye gets a 7.0 after assisting Mbaye’s strike.

Idrissa Gueye worked tirelessly in midfield and earns a 6.9. Sadio Mané and Moussa Niakhaté both receive 6.8, while Pape Gueye gets 6.7. Krépin Diatta and Lamine Camara earn 6.6 each.

Nicolas Jackson receives a 6.2. He worked hard but will regret hitting the post when Senegal were on top. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly gets a 6.1 after struggling against France’s pace in the second half.

The lowest rating goes to Ismaïla Sarr. He gets a 5.6 after missing Senegal’s best chance of the match, a moment that may have changed the entire game.

In the end, this match was decided by quality in key moments. Senegal competed well and probably deserved more from their first-half display. However, France had players who could change the game when it mattered most.

Mbappé scored the goals, Barcola made an impact from the bench, but for me, Michael Olise was the player who controlled the contest. His creativity, intelligence and influence made the difference, and that is why he is my highest-rated player with a 9.5 out of 10.