Thierry Henry has likened Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud to that of Emile Heskey.
The striker is set to lead the line for his country this summer, and former Arsenal legend thinks he will play an important role for France.
“He is a very good striker.
“He won the league in France but was it enough for Arsenal as a team since he went there? No.
“But yes he is good enough to play for France. He is good with his back to the net. He has that touch.
“Is he the guy that’s going to run in behind like (Jamie) Vardy and bail you out of a game by dribbling past six players? No. But he has other attributes which are important for France and for Arsenal.
The press had misconstrued Henry’s words previously, when he called for Arsenal to sign another striker, claiming he meant his former club should add to Giroud, not replace him.
“What I said at the time was that Arsenal need a striker but I never said Giroud had to leave. People interpreted it that way. I didn’t say it.
“Giroud has shown in the past he is good enough for France and will have to show it even more now because Benzema isn’t going to the Euros.
“So the pressure will be even bigger on him and the squad.
“I was always feeling sorry for Emile Heskey when he played for England. Giroud is that type of guy.
“Michael Owen was taking all the glory but the people couldn’t see what Heskey was doing for Owen. But if you take Owen away then suddenly you look at Heskey and he doesn’t score. So you need a Heskey and you need an Owen.”
With Anthony Martial and Antoine Griezmann likely to form a front three with Olivier, I foresee all sorts of space opening up for Giroud, and I expect him to relish under the spotlight.
Does Giroud NEED a strong Euro campaign or will is have no bearings on his place at Arsenal?
Pat J