AC Milan have recovered well after their 5-1 derby loss to Inter but one mission still remains for Stefano Pioli: finding the best possible version of Olivier Giroud.
As Calciomercato.com recall, Milan decided to sign two players during the summer window that are able to let Giroud catch his breath. Luka Jovic arrived on deadline day but it is Noah Okafor who has impressed most with goals in each of his last two games.
Giroud, meanwhile, has been in a sharp decline since the international break and has been far less involved than what was seen in the first three matches.
Taking for example the last match against Lazio and the one against Torino (not only for the two goals scored), the difference clearly emerges both in the areas of the pitch covered and in the number of balls played by the Frenchman.
The number of duels won went from 80% to 15%, the shots attempted went from 4 (with 2 goals) to 1 admittedly saved very well by Provedel, while opportunities created went from 3 to 0 and fouls conceded from 4 to 0.
Giroud’s four goals this season were all before the international break and he still only has one from open play. Milan perhaps play better today and have integrated the new players well, but what’s missing is having a true focal point No.9 who opponents fear.
Right now Giroud is the weakest part of this team.
At his age, he should be coming from the bench when the opponets defenders are tired not starting from the first minute.
He’s hasnt contributed anything to this team since the international break and hardly score from open play which means we have to wait for penalty before he scores again.
Pioli should start Okafor if Jovic is not ready and bring Giroud second half, atleast the young ones do alot of defence work. We can’t have a team where w players are walking on the pitch ( Leao & Giroud) putting so much pressure on the others because sooner or later the team will be pay for it!
His decline, as in he stopped scoring penalties?
He was 8 or 9 goals last season prior to a very late season hattrick against the bottom team, already relegated, and which currently sits second last in Serie B.
Giroud has always been an impact striker and was rarely first choice at Arsenal and Chelsea. He does his best work off the bench and the fact that he has been our striking focal point since he joined, says more about us than it does about him.
He done a good job for Milan and given what he has, but we now need to use his strengths, which will save his legs and gives us more bang off the bench upfront.
He was never good at Milan, again made up. How about SempreMilan does the analysis of his entire Milan days and focuses on shots, % of shots on target, converted chances, converted big chances and duels won/lost. He is an average player that has luck to have Leao there to mask his lack of everything.
And compare those numbers to anyone anywhere that is an actual good striker.
One positive thing I can say about giroud is his pressing is really good for the whole 90 min. If okafor or jovic were to take his place in starting xi they need to mimic this quality from giroud.
I don’t see a reasonable reason why Giroud at 37 shouldn’t be a backup yo Okafor at 23.
I’m thankful to Giroud but right now I think he should only be used as a backup so the young lads will improve more.
Why are some of you talking so much rubbish.
Sick of the criticism of one of our most important players ,,that is Olivier Giroud….not sure some of you understand or appreciate his true qualities…
He is technically the best man to have in and around the 18yard area …so physically strong and provides hold up play that no one else can do .yes he hasn’t been at his best the last two games ,,,but goals will come from him ..
Let’s see him against dortmund …what would you say when he scores against them , and we win the match .
We can definitely win the scuddeto again this season , again we will need the services of him .
You were all all also writing off Rafeaol leao a couple of games ago ,,,again we need his services..
We need decent deliveries into the box for Olivier ,,and I,m afraid that has not happened in the last two matches …
He was our best player vs Inter with a great assist to Leao, and he fed him another assist against Verona.
Also no offense to Okafor, but his goal was a tap-in, and it was actually his only touch of the game in 25 minutes.