Yesterday the news arrived that Olivier Giroud has been called up by Didier Deschamps for France’s World Cup squad, and it is thanks to his fantastic season so far.
As reported this morning by Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews), just a year ago when Giroud had just arrived in Milan it was unthinkable that the then-35-year-old could still be part of the plans of Deschamps and the French national team.
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Giroud had just returned from a European championship without a goal having spent most of it on the bench behind Karim Benzema. Nevertheless, his huge contribution to the Scudetto and his excellent start to the current season – scoring 19 goals in 41 appearances overall – secured a recall.
Theo Hernandez was a certainty given he is virtually guaranteed of a spot in the starting line-up, but there is some disappointment for Mike Maignan. The Rossoneri goalkeeper would not have been a starter in the national team since Deschamps prefers Hugo Lloris – the captain – but he misses out on a valuable experience through injuries.
“scoring 19 goals in 41 appearances overall”
? am i missing something here because giroud has
played 12 serie a matches this year and scoring 5 times while assisting 2 times. He has played 6 cl matches scoring 4 times and assisting 2 times.
Combined he has played 56 times scoring 23 times and assisting 8 times since he arrived at the club.
What a player Olivier Giroud is ,yes always has been class ..i never doubted his ability and he himself never did …I remember saying that when we signed him ,that we would win the scuddeto which we did ..
We are not out of the race yet this season yes Napoli look good ,but who knows what might happen after the World Cup .Olivier Giroud is such a gifted player and for a big guy such quick feet ,in and around the 18 yard area there is no better centre forward than him anywhere..His form for us has been exceptional
and plenty more goals to come from him .We are in the last 16 of the champions league,i believe we will beat Tottenham and thus be in the last 8 ..
So let’s stay positive we have a good squad of players .
Just a final note well done to both Olivier Giroud and Thea Hernandez on their call up for France ,both fully deserved..