Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has included Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise in his 25 man provisional squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The players are set to join the squad on June 16 at Clairefontaine, France, in preparation for friendly matches against Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Japan.
The 1984 Olympic football champions, France, are in Group A alongside the United States, Guinea, and New Zealand. Their first match is against the USA on July 24, 2024. Neither Olise nor Ugochukwu has Olympic experience, but both have been part of Henry’s U21 team. Olise played in the UEFA European U21 Championship last year, while Ugochukwu has participated in the last six games.
Olise had an impressive Premier League season with Crystal Palace, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists despite missing 19 games due to injury. His performances have caught the attention of Manchester United. Ugochukwu made 15 appearances for Chelsea last season.
Editorial
We find it inspiring that Thierry Henry has chosen to include young talents like Lesley Ugochukwu and Michael Olise in the provisional squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This decision highlights the importance of nurturing young players and providing them with opportunities on significant stages.
Their inclusion is a testament to their potential and hard work. Olise’s brilliant season with Crystal Palace, despite injury setbacks, underscores his resilience and skill. His ability to score and assist consistently has made him a key player, attracting interest from top clubs. Ugochukwu, although with fewer appearances for Chelsea, has shown promise and potential. His inclusion indicates Henry’s confidence in his abilities and readiness to take on bigger challenges.
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These young players represent the future of football. Their participation in the Olympics will not only enhance their skills but also provide them with invaluable experience. It’s a significant step in their careers, and we believe it will shape them into even better players. This move by Henry also reflects a strategic vision for the team, blending experienced players with emerging talents to build a strong and dynamic squad.
As we look forward to the Olympics, we are excited about the potential these players bring to the team. Their journey is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities. We believe their involvement will be beneficial for both their personal development and the success of the French team.
Did You Know?
- The Olympic football tournament was first held in 1900, making it one of the oldest international football competitions.
- France won their only Olympic gold medal in football at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
- Thierry Henry, the current coach, is one of the top scorers in French national team history, with 51 goals.
- Lesley Ugochukwu is a cousin of Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel.
- Michael Olise was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Season for 2023, highlighting his impact on the team.
