Olivier Giroud has scored four goals for Milan at the start of this season and has certainly been an important player for the Rossoneri. However, there’s also no denying that the Frenchman isn’t getting any younger.
For Milan and Stefano Pioli, it was certainly a gamble to head into the current season with Giroud as their man striker. Club directors, in that sense, perhaps shouldn’t gamble with the club but rather check out a casino.
Fortunately, the No.9 has at least had a decent start to the season with four goals scored in nine appearances. It’s worth noting, however, that only one of these goals has been scored from open play, the rest are penalties.
In the game against Borussia Dortmund, Giroud missed a big chance from close range and that ended up costing Milan the game. Now, having said that, he has certainly shown that he can come in clutch as well.
In an interview with TMW radio (via MilanNews), the lesser-known football agent Gioconodo Martorelli spoke about the future and what Milan should make of his age. At some point, as he argues, the Rossoneri will have to say stop amid what could be a quick decline.
“At a certain age, when the decline comes, it is never light, but always sudden. Age will begin to show, even given all the beatings he has taken and all the games he has played. Regarding him, I believe that a team like Milan, which is a great club, will think in terms of perspective and vision, with the courage to change and say enough is enough.
“Sometimes the players should take the step themselves. Hazard retired at 32. I’m not saying that Giroud should retire, but he could probably play in a league more suited to his age,” he stated.
Pioli is hoping that the addition of Luka Jovic, who is working to get into good shape, will be enough to give Giroud the rest he needs between the games. Noah Okafor is another option for the No.9 role, even if his main task seemingly will be to give Rafael Leao some rest when needed.
The Rossoneri have a very tough schedule after the international break and it’s clear that all the depth will be needed. This will continue for the rest of the season, as well, so it’s not just a temporary storm that Milan can ride out.
Of course, missing out on the knockout stages of the Champions League – which is a concrete outcome – would make their schedule less busy but this would also have dire economic consequences. In other words, the Rossoneri will not be complaining about their participation in the competition.
