Since his arrival at AC Milan in the summer of 2021, Olivier Giroud has developed a reputation for not necessarily scoring every game, but netting in the moments that count the most.
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MilanNews write how Giroud is a reliable presence for Milan. While he is no longer in his prime and will not be able to guarantee the same type of contribution every match at 37 years of age, he is the one with the experience in big games and can always be counted on.
Since he arrived at Milan, the Frenchman has made 99 appearances across all competitions and has racked up 38 goals, also adding 14 assists for a total of 52 goal contributions in 99 appearances. Basically, 1 goal every 2 games bears the signature of Giroud.
All things considered, this is not bad for a 37 year old who has never really had a proper deputy and has often been asked to work overtime. Transcending the simple data and delving a little deeper, what the striker does so well is score goals that weigh a lot.
The brace in the derby comeback against Inter that gave Milan life in the Scudetto race is the most prominent example, as is his winner against Napoli that season. Speaking of netting in Naples, his goal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg there ended up being the tie-winner.
He scored the brace that sealed the league title win against Sassuolo, the equaliser against Lazio that season, the 2-1 goal in the 3-2 derby victory last season and several other match-winners. Giroud is no longer a young man, but he has not lost his habit of being decisive.
His willingness to sacrifice is commendable too, because Pioli asks a lot from his strikers in terms of work off the ball with pressing and coverage. After having won everything, Olivier Giroud continues to be one of the big examples for young players who want to win what he has.
Speaking to Sky after the game, he made some striking comments, starting with: “It was the perfect evening. We did everything the coach asked us to do, we didn’t make certain mistakes.” He told the watching public that everyone is still with the coach and follows what he wants.
He concluded by confessing that he still feels intense emotions, even after two decades of playing at this level: “When I score decisive goals like today I’m proud. Even at 37 I experience crazy emotions.” Let’s hope there are more to come.
