Stefano Pioli could soon reverse the current hierarchy for the centre-forward position now Divock Origi is up to full fitness, a report claims.
Origi got his first goal for Milan since joining on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool expires, thus putting hopefully a definitive end to the early-season difficulties that the Belgian endured due to injuries.
According to Pietro Mazzara’s column for MilanNews, the feeling is that Rafael Leao will start on the left against Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow night and Olivier Giroud will be the man who gets the nod as the striker.
However, Ante Rebic and Origi will be called into question again as the latter has shown against Monza that he can be a very useful card to play especially on a physical level but also on a technical level given the ability with which he moves the ball with both feet.
Mazzara adds that there is also the very concrete possibility that the current hierarchy can be reversed with Giroud as the deputy to Origi in the not-too-distant future.
This is a premature and silly comment at this juncture. Giroud was playing very well for his age until he had to play every match in what is an unprecedentedly packed fixture list because of injuries like Origi’s.
Not only must Origi prove he can play more than one or two games and stay fit, but he also needs to outplay Giroud when they are both given the chance to succeed by not being run into the ground.
I do think it’s clear the hope would be that Origi overtakes the aging Giroud, but it’s a rather disrespectful conversation to start now considering how Giroud’s durability has been a major key in keeping Milan near the top of Serie A rather than in complete disaster this season.
Not sure who is worse. Both are not Milan starter level as they both waste too many balls and chances. Origi looks better with the ball but he is selfish and gets one out of 10 shots on target. My main issue with Origi are his wages. If he earns 4.5M Leao should get 9M
I dunno. Some of the goals Giroud has scored have been outrageously technical or have reminded me of a poacher’s instinct that few of our most recent strikers have exhibited. Where he has missed more often is in the air, which ironically is supposed to be his strength. Two or three clear headers missed this season, and this should have at least 2-3 more goals. I do think playing every day has taken a toll on him. And as for Origi, it’s way too early to judge. He just basically played his first “full” game, and lo and behold scored a cracker. Let’s see what he can do as his fitness increases and gets more playing time.
We can’t compare apples and oranges… Origi and Giroud are different kind of players , yes they are both strikers , but they have different characteristics… Giroud plays better in the box, he can link up with players, but he lacks technical skills and pace… Origi is likes to drift around on the field and he’s got technical skills as well as pace , both are physically strong , but Giroud is the better sniper! I think Origi deserve to play infront of Giroud against Zagreb , he is fast and I think Rebic , Leao and Origi will create havoc in the Zagreb defense , Giroud will only slow the pace of the attacking with his hold up play!
I think that Origi will surely take Giroud’s place in the team and we must not forget the return of Ibracadabra! Ibra when fully fit, is our best striker in the box! Ibra is great in the air and we all know how he shoots… he may be old and can’t run, but he will surely contribute towards the end of the season, just like he contributed last season( i think he scored 7 goals in 15 matches) … half of the 15 games was as a substitute
What do you mean Giroud lacks technical skills?! Do you even watch him play?
Giroud is a great striker in the box, but he makes so many unnecessary flicks which usually end up with the opponents getting the ball back..I like the characteristics that origi possess,he has pace, trickery & great strength, but he needs to always pick the right final pass when he should do so..I think he can all the 3 positions .. Giroud should start at the centre forward, while rebic & origi can play on the right ..we must win, FORZA MILAN
Olivier Giroud is a class act ,and technically he is the best inside the 18 yard area ..He knows exactly where to be at the right moment ..He is a perfect centre forward for AC Milan to have ..plenty more goals to come from Olivier Giroud..As long as he has good service such as that provided from rafael leao .
Then Olivier must play …Yes I say it again Oliver Giroud is a class act even at 36 .I also said that when we AC MILAN signed him last season that we would win the scuddeto…Which we did ,if we want to win it again this season then we will need oliviers services.
We are also still in the champions leauge ,we can qualify for the last 16 ,and indeed even make the last eight ..We have got the squad ,great team and great manager Stefano pioli ..keep believing fans ..