French Creativity Fueling Some of Europe’s Best Attacks

French players having a huge impact across Europe’s top five leagues. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola rank highly for assists, successful dribbles and passes into the final third. 

Scott Thornton assesses how the dynamic trio can have an impact on their team’s fortunes in the weeks to come. All three players are chasing domestic glory and playing in the latter stages of the Champions League.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Madrid Can Get More From Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe finally made the move to Real Madrid in the summer. The attacker has been lethal since the turn of the year, scoring a hatful of goals and creating lots of chances for his teammates. However, Los Blancos’ season hangs by a thread. They need to overturn a three-goal deficit against Arsenal to remain in the Champions League and they trail Barcelona in the La Liga title race. Can Mbappe be decisive in the key matches to come?

Mbappe has scored 22 goals and assisted three in 28 league matches for Real. He joined an attack that was already brimming with talent and has certainly added firepower. Kylian has scored 19 goals in 24 games for Real in 2025 but he is just one of many stars in Madrid’s ranks. 

Surprisingly, Mbappe has just one assist to his name in 2025. He is supported by Vinicius and Rodrygo in the Real attack, two players who also have a keen eye for goal. Carlo Ancelotti has changed his formation on numerous occasions in a bid to get the best out of this attacking trio. The lack of assists suggests that Real could be getting more out of the Frenchman.

The underlying data indicates that Mbappe should have more assists to his name. Over the past 12 months, he has 0.11 assists per 90 minutes played, 0.09 less than his xAG (expected assisted goals). Kylian ranks in the top five percent of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues for passes, pass completion, progressive passes, successful take-ons and progressive carries. However, these numbers are yet to pay dividends in the form of assists.

Kylian is having no such problems when it comes to putting the ball in the net himself. As a result, we’re betting on him to score against Alaves at the weekend. Mbappe scored as Real Madrid won 3-2 in the reverse fixture. Eduardo Coudet’s side have the sixth-worst defensive record in the top tier of Spanish football so should afford Real plenty of space here. Ancelotti will have one eye on the second leg against Arsenal but rebuilding confidence ahead of that mammoth task is key.

Michael Olise Making a Lasting Impression

Michael Olise is another Frenchman who made a big move ahead of the season. He left Crystal Palace to join Bayern Munich and has emerged as a key player for the Bavarian giants. 

Olise’s numbers are impressive. He has scored 13 goals and registered 13 assists for Bayern thus far. Harry Kane is the main threat in front of goal but Michael’s contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed. The former Palace player has seamlessly adapted to Vincent Kompany’s tactics and developed a great understanding with the likes of Musiala and Kane. Olise was unable to grab a goal contribution as Bayern lost 2-1 to Inter but an xAG tally of 0.90 suggests that wasn’t down to him. He is credited with creating two big chances in the match.

The winger’s underlying data also paints a pretty picture. He has recorded an average of 0.42 assists per 90 minutes in the past year, meaning he ranks in the 98th percentile compared with attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues. He also ranks in the top five percent for progressive passes and shot-creating actions. 

Since scoring and assisting in France’s 2-0 win over Croatia during the international break, Olise has also been in fine fettle in the Bundesliga. He has assisted three goals in two league matches so we are backing him to grab another when Bayern face Dortmund this weekend. Michael Olise assisted Musiala’s goal in the 1-1 draw between the sides earlier in the season. 

Bayern are just six points clear of Bayer Leverkusen in the title race so they cannot afford to take their eye off the ball. Olise has made a great impression in Bavaria since making the move and already has 10 league assists to his name. Let’s hope he can add another this weekend. 

BETSiE projections make for good reading for Bayern fans, so let’s hope Olise can contribute towards a positive result here. 

Barcola’s Time to Shine

Bradley Barcola has thrived as part of the PSG attack this season. Kylian Mbappe’s departure heaped pressure on the rest of the team but they have certainly delivered. Ousman Dembele has earned a lot of the headlines. However, Bradley Barcola has shone as a creative force.

Barcola has exceptional dribbling ability and pace. He has proven to be effective on both flanks but has predominantly been used on the left. Bradley has registered nine assists in Ligue 1 thus far and is showing no signs of slowing down.

The Frenchman’s underlying data also shows great promise. He has 0.42 assists and 0.39 xAG per 90 in the past year, both of which rank him in the 97th percentile compared with all attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.

Les Parisiens face Le Havre in their next league match. Didier Digard’s team have conceded an average of 2.04 goals per game this season, the third-most in Ligue 1. Barcola played just 19 minutes in the reverse fixture but managed to get his name on the scoresheet. We are backing Bradley to grab an assist this time around. He has four assists in his last five domestic games. 

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