AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud had a good international break as he got on the scoresheet in both of France’s friendlies to take his tally to 48 goals for his country.
He is now just three goals behind the record holder Thierry Henry and hopes to force his way into the plans for the Qatar World Cup later this year, even though his place in the squad for the two recent games only came about due to Karim Benzema’s injury.
La Gazzetta dello Sport recall how his goal agains the Ivory Coast was a satisfying link-up with Theo Hernandez, and his goal against South Africa showed all his experience to spin and finish with composure.
Credit goes to Milan too, because if Didier Deschamps decided to call him up it is because he is on 11 goals for the season across all competitions in a team that are currently top of the table and are in the running for a Scudetto.
Giroud has been playing as a starter since February 5 due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injury meaning he has been able to get up to top condition and contribute with a decisive brace against Inter, a brace against Lazio in the Coppa Italia and a winner against Napoli, plus assists against Salernitana and Empoli.
He has played 11 games as a starter in less than 60 days, 4 of these ending up as full 90 minutes, which may be a worry because Giroud is 35 and is working overtime, though it doesn’t seem to be a burden.
ride this French “war horse” all the way to the Scudetto