Liam Duckstein
From Palace to Europe’s Elite
Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise will renew their friendship and rivalry when Arsenal host Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The two forwards, who once terrorized Premier League defenses together at Crystal Palace, now find themselves on opposite sides of a crucial European showdown.
Both players have enjoyed remarkable ascents since their time at Palace. Eze, now 27, has become a key figure for Arsenal, while Olise, 23, has established himself as a star for Bayern and France.
A Bond Forged Over Chess
Their friendship began at Palace, where they often played chess during training sessions. Olise, a France international, introduced Eze to the game, and the two quickly developed a competitive yet friendly dynamic.
“I didn’t start learning chess until Michael came in,” Eze told The Athletic. “It was him and my brother who nudged me to learn how to play and face them, so that’s when I started studying the game, watching YouTube videos of the best chess openings.”
Eze’s chess skills even earned him $20,000 in an online tournament earlier this year. Now, he’ll be looking to outmaneuver Olise on the pitch rather than the chessboard.
Olise’s Rapid Rise
Olise’s move to Bayern has been nothing short of spectacular. After joining from Palace for £50 million, he has quickly become a key player for the German giants, contributing nine goals and 10 assists in 18 games this season. His performance in Bayern’s 6-2 win over Freiburg, where he scored twice and assisted three times, showcased his immense talent.
- Goal or assist every 85 minutes this season (compared to every 141 minutes at Palace)
- Scoring twice as often as he did at Palace (one goal every two games this season)
- Doubled his shooting rate per 90 minutes compared to his time at Palace
- Maintained his creativity, averaging 2.4 chances created per 90 minutes
Olise’s journey from Palace to the Bundesliga has been swift, but his impact has been immediate. With a Ballon d’Or nomination and a regular spot in the France national team, he has firmly established himself among Europe’s elite.
Eze’s Arsenal Ascendancy
Eze, meanwhile, has become a fan favorite at Arsenal after joining from Palace for £60 million. His hat-trick in a 4-1 derby win over Tottenham highlighted his growing influence at the club. Since the start of 2025, no English player has been involved in more Premier League goals than Eze, with 18 involvements (10 goals and eight assists).
- Five goals and three assists in all competitions this season
- Most shots (25) of any Arsenal player in the Premier League this season
- Ranks sixth in the league for non-penalty goal involvements
Eze’s journey to the top has been slower than Olise’s, but his impact at Arsenal has been undeniable. His ability to shoot more regularly and his increased goal threat have made him a vital player for the Gunners.
Also read: Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Prediction: 26.11.2025 UEFA Champions League
A Clash of Friends
When Arsenal and Bayern meet at the Emirates, it will be more than just a clash of titans. It will be a reunion of two friends who have taken different paths to the same destination: the pinnacle of European football. For 90 minutes, however, each will be focused on outshining the other.
Who will make the match-winning move? Only time will tell.