Why Giroud can fire France to glory this summer
Olivier Giroud has struggled for form this season but the Arsenal forward could have a big say in the destiny of this summer’s European Championship. Giroud has been selected for Didier Deschamps’ French squad over the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, who scored over 20 goals in Ligue 1 for the second season running, and Kevin Gameiro, who inspired Sevilla to the Europa League crown and a Copa Del Rey runners-up medal.
If truth be told, Giroud probably shouldn’t be in the France squad... but he is. Deschamps rates the Gunners forward and Giroud could play a key role for the hosts as they look to win a third European Championship crown. The 29 year old netted a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season and he could carry that momentum and confidence into the Euros.
At the time of writing, France is priced at 3/1 to win the competition at 32Red UK and they certainly stand a great chance with the passionate home support behind them. England have failed to inspire confidence during the warm-up fixtures, whilst Germany suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Slovakia. If this talented, young French squad can live up to the hype, they could cruise to the title – that’s how good they are.
And while Giroud isn’t one of France’s 'golden generation', he is still a competent centre forward. With the right service, Giroud could prosper as the focal point of Deschamps’ attacking unit. The likes of Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba are all capable of creating chances and, although Giroud’s finishing has left a lot to be desired this season, the Arsenal man could potentially raise his game for the national side.
If nothing else, the 29 year old will offer France a different dimension in attack. Giroud is fantastic in the air and he gives Deschamps an obvious aerial threat if France need to bombard the box with crosses. He scored headers in each of Arsenal’s final two matches of the Premier League campaign and Giroud could be a real threat from set pieces, especially with Griezmann or Pogba delivering the cross.
As of May 30th, Giroud is priced at 15/1 to win the Golden Boot award with 32Red and 888sport – and he has a great chance of netting plenty of goals this summer if selected from the start. France have a relatively straightforward group and the hosts could make the most of fixtures against Romania and Albania. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see France run riot in these matches and Giroud could be the main beneficiary.
#France's group completed by #Switzerland - looks an easy pool on paper for Les Bleus, with Albania and Romania. #Euro2016Draw
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) December 12, 2015
Arsenal fans will be hoping that Giroud has a successful tournament and comes back fighting fit and ready to go next season. While supporters still believe that he isn’t strong enough to lead the Gunners to the Premier League title, Giroud is a talented footballer – he just struggles for consistency. If he can focus on performing well on a regular basis, Arsenal could have a lethal threat to complement whoever Arsène Wenger brings in this summer.
Giroud is never going to be a world class centre forward but he could benefit greatly from a successful stint in the national set-up. Arsenal fans have given Giroud a hard time (and rightly so) this season but we may finally see the best of him in an Arsenal shirt next year, especially if he returns to pre-season training as a European Championship winner and with a few international goals at a major tournament under his belt
Arsenal fans across the globe will be tuning in to watch our contingent in France this summer and Olivier Giroud could be the most intriguing of all. Who knows, a decent performance at the Euros and the Frenchman could mature into a real threat next season – even if he is forced to take a reduced role if Wenger (hopefully) brings a world-class striker to the Emirates Stadium...
Photos courtesy of Ronnie Macdonald
