On the eve of the World Cup semi-finals, former French international Claude Makelele, who once played for Real Madrid, admitted that he had tried to push Real Madrid to sign Olise long before Olise's breakthrough at Bayern Munich and the French national team.

Makelele told Marca: "Olise to Real Madrid? I would support it. I had the chance to speak with President Florentino, and I told him, if you can only afford to sign one player, it's him." He continued: "Olise has made me rediscover the feeling of watching football, the taste we had as kids: talent, freedom, quality, efficiency. When he's not on the field, you can feel his absence."

"When he plays, you feel, like Messi, that he can do something unexpected at any moment. Look at Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola; they all know Olise can deliver the ball into spaces other players don't even see. This is the modern football we love, the football that makes fans dream. Even commentators are amazed by his skill. He is exceptional."

When asked whether he preferred Bellingham or Olise, Makelele said: "Let them perform on their own. They are both doing very well right now. I don't compare. This is my philosophy: never compare great players. You can't compare Pele with later generations, and the comparison with Maradona will never end. Zidane left his mark on world football and will live on, no matter who comes after him. Let these young men write their own careers in their own way and put their names in history."

Regarding the Ballon d'Or, Makelele explicitly supported his compatriot Mbappe: "I hope Mbappe wins the Ballon d'Or. He didn't win many titles at Real Madrid this season, but his performance in the World Cup was outstanding." "Kylian's year-after-year performance brings him closer and closer to Ronaldo. We called Ronaldo 'the phenomenon' for a reason, and Mbappe is the phenomenon of his generation. The scary thing is he has more to prove. So yes, I'm convinced he's the closest we have to a new R9."

Speaking of Mourinho's return after Real Madrid changed coaches, Makelele had no doubt about the Portuguese coach's ability: "He is an intelligent, knowledgeable, and observant coach who uses players based on the qualities they bring to the team's balance. Having a player who can cover three positions is a treasure because you never know what injuries a season can bring. Versatility is always a talent."

When talking about players who could be activated under Mourinho, Makelele specifically mentioned Alexander-TAA: "Mourinho is a father figure, a leader, a great coach. He will handle the rest. I don't think this will be a problem for Arnold; it depends on whether he is willing to listen to the coach's instructions. When it comes to efficiency, a coach will never give up on his best players, even if he is a bit difficult. I have always said that a true professional can play three positions. If he can play his usual position, he can also play in midfield and on the wing. For a versatile player, covering three roles is not a problem."

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