France are reportedly considering a tactical shift for their next match, with Michael Olise being viewed as a potential No. 10. The latest report from French sports outlet L’Equipe suggests that the coaching setup wants to use Olise in a more central attacking role, implying that his skills could be leveraged closer to the final third rather than primarily from the flanks.
The headline framing of the story points to a clear intent: France want to “use Michael Olise as a number 10 in the next game.” That phrasing indicates this is not simply speculation about a long-term future position, but rather an immediate idea being discussed for the upcoming fixture. A number 10 role typically demands creativity, quick decision-making, and the ability to operate between the lines—finding pockets of space, linking play, and supplying chances for forwards. The report therefore implies Olise has attributes that the staff believes fit that profile.
While the provided text is brief, its emphasis makes the tactical direction the main news value. France appear to be exploring options in the creative attacking zone—one of the most influential areas on the pitch. By bringing Olise into a central playmaking position, France would be adjusting how they construct attacks and how they progress the ball into dangerous areas. A No. 10 can change a team’s rhythm: they often become a focal point for passes, carry the ball forward with purpose, and create scoring opportunities either directly or via layoffs.
This also suggests France are assessing their attacking structure and how they can get the best output from their available personnel. In modern football, roles like that of a No. 10 are frequently fluid, with players tasked to drift across positions depending on the opponent. Olise’s potential use in that capacity indicates France are thinking about flexibility—deploying a player with the technical quality to connect midfield and attack.
From a selection perspective, the move would represent a vote of confidence in Olise’s ability to impact games at a higher level of creative responsibility. Many number 10s are expected to read the game quickly and respond to defensive cues—dropping into spaces when the opponent presses high, or pulling defenders out of shape to create opening for teammates. If L’Equipe’s report is accurate, Olise’s next appearance could include more involvement in central areas, more direct involvement in chance creation, and more responsibility in the final third.
The mention of “next game” also carries significance for how quickly France are willing to test tactical ideas. Using a specific position plan immediately suggests either a strategic need in the upcoming match or a belief that Olise can deliver the right traits against that particular opponent. It may also indicate that France’s coaching team is looking for a clear creative focal point during the match.
Although the text does not provide details about France’s opponent, it does highlight that the plan is already being considered actively by the team and is significant enough to be reported by a major outlet. The story’s framing as “BREAKING” underlines that this is being treated as timely and newsworthy rather than a slow-burn narrative.
Overall, the core message is that France want to experiment with or adopt Olise as a central attacking playmaker—specifically as a No. 10—for their forthcoming match. If implemented, the decision could reshape France’s attacking approach and potentially increase their ability to unlock defenses through more direct chance creation from the heart of the attacking phase.
Source: L’Equipe
The Touchline | 𝐓: 🚨🇫🇷 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: France wants to use Michael Olise as a number 10 in the next game! — @lequipe. #breaking
— @TouchlineX May 1, 2026