If there is one deal... let it be Olise

With the World Cup approaching its decisive stage, former French star Claude Makélélé made striking comments about the top stars of the current generation, revealing advice he had previously given to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez regarding signing Michael Olise, and also tipped Kylian Mbappé to win the Ballon d'Or, considering him the player closest to Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário.

The former Real Madrid and France midfielder admitted, in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, that he tried to convince the club's management to sign Michael Olise before his great success with Bayern Munich and the French national team.

Makélélé said: "If Michael Olise joins Real Madrid, I would be very happy. I had the opportunity to speak with president Florentino Pérez, and I told him that if the club is to spend its money on just one player, it should be Olise."

He added: "Olise has brought back the joy of watching football, and restored that feeling we had in our childhood: talent, freedom, quality, and effectiveness. When he is absent from the pitch, you clearly feel his absence."

He continued: "When he is at his best, you feel he is capable, like Lionel Messi, of doing something no one expects at any moment. Look at Dembélé, Mbappé, and Barcelona's players; they all know he can send the ball into spaces that others don't see. This is the modern football we love, the football that makes fans dream. Even commentators express amazement at his skills. He is an exceptional player."

When asked about the comparison between Jude Bellingham and Michael Olise, Makélélé refused to engage in any comparison, saying: "Let the players speak with their feet. What they provide is exceptional, but I don't like comparisons. That's my philosophy: don't compare the greats. Pelé cannot be compared to the generations that came after him, and the same goes for Maradona. As for Zinedine Zidane, he left a mark that will remain eternal in football history no matter what stars appear after him. Let each player forge his own path and write his own history."

Makélélé also expressed his hope that Kylian Mbappé would win the Ballon d'Or, saying: "I hope Mbappé wins the award. It's true he hasn't won many titles with Real Madrid this season, but what he is doing in the World Cup is exceptional."

He added: "What Kylian does year after year brings him closer and closer to Ronaldo Nazário. We called Ronaldo "the Phenomenon" for a reason, and Mbappé is the phenomenon of this generation. And the most exciting thing is that he still has a lot to offer. So I am convinced he is the closest player to a new Ronaldo."

Makélélé also touched on the return of Portuguese José Mourinho to coach Real Madrid, expressing his full confidence in his ability to lead the team to success in his second stint.

He said: "Mourinho is an intelligent, cultured coach with a great ability to read details. He will choose his players according to what they add to the team's balance. Having a player capable of covering three positions is a great advantage because you never know what the season may bring in terms of injuries or circumstances. Versatility is always a strength."

He also singled out English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold for special praise, affirming that he possesses the qualities that allow him to succeed under the Portuguese coach.

He explained: "Mourinho is like a father, a leader, and a great coach. As for the rest, it depends on Trent himself. If he wants to play regularly, he must listen to his coach. And when it comes to effectiveness, Mourinho does not do without his best players, even if they are sometimes controversial."

He concluded by saying: "I have always said that a true professional player should be able to play in three different positions. If he is good at his main position, he can also play in midfield and on the wing. For a complete player, performing three roles on the pitch is not difficult at all."