Chelsea and France striker Olivier Giroud doesn’t need to shoot to be considered useful, according to Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps.
Giroud moved from Arsenal to London rivals Chelsea back in January after scoring 105 goals in 253 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.
Since his move, he has struggled to consistently hit the back of the net for the Stamford Bridge club and has only scored five goals in 24 outings, failing to bag a goal so far this season.
However, the 31-year-old has always been about more than just his goalscoring exploits, with both his domestic and international sides using his talents to the larger benefit of their respective teams.
France boss Deschamps believes that Giroud’s worth isn’t necessarily in his shooting but in his all-round play.
Speaking to reporters, the 49-year-old said: “You shouldn’t expect he is going to get past two or three opponents.
“It’s not what he is there for. Often we realise how useful he is when he’s not on the field … when you think about the collective he is extremely generous”
What does Giroud offer the team?
His overall play is considered worthy of a starting place in both the Chelsea and France set-ups, such is the respect for his contributions to his teammates.
He has already provided three assists in five league matches for Maurizio Sarri’s side this campaign as they occupy the top end of the Premier League table.
In the summer, Giroud spearheaded the France side that triumphed in Russia at the Fifa World Cup, beating Croatia 4-2 in the final to claim their first World Cup title in 20 years.
Despite not scoring, his ability to challenge defenders aerially, his hold up play and his movement caused constant headaches for opposition sides and, if asked, they would surely state playing a side with Giroud is far harder than playing one in his absence.
The post Olivier Giroud does not need to shoot to be useful – Deschamps appeared first on Squawka News.
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