Olivier Giroud started the season as a reserve striker at Arsenal after the Gunners brought in Alexandre Lacazette in the summer. Not only did Laca displace Giroud in the pecking order, but he was also expected to replace the veteran Frenchman in the national team to go to Russia this summer.
When Aubameyang also joined Arsenal in January it looked like Giroud would be left out in the wilderness, but luckily he was given the chance to join Chelsea and he hasn’t looked back since.
He not only got to play regularly for Conte’s team, he also scored many goals and had the added bonus of lifting the FA Cup at the expense of Alexis Sanchez, who demoted Giroud at Arsenal the season before.
Don’t you just feel sorry for Alexis? Joining Man United and winning nothing, while Giroud adds another FA Cup to his trophy haul. And in a great week for Giroud, Didier Deschamps announced his France squad for the World Cup, and he has chosen Giroud while leaving Lacazette at home. The France coach made it clear that he simply had too many top strikers to choose from. Deschamps said: “There is especially strong competition. I consider Giroud, Griezmann, Mbappe and Fekir as axial strikers, even if they can play in other positions.
“Just watch Mbappe’s performance in this position against Russia recently. I think there is no point in accumulating multiple players in the same position.’
It seems a bit harsh on Lacazette, who started the season well and ended on a flourish, but it was a shame he wasn’t fit all season. Well good luck to Oli…..
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