Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has raved about current forward Olivier Giroud, labelling him as “different”.
The Blues attacker arrived at Stamford Bridge in January of this year from Arsenal, and even though he has not managed to score a goal in the Premier League so far this season, Hasselbaink was quick to heap praise on his contribution.
He adds that the 6ft 4in [Transfermarkt] frontman’s ability to bring the best out of the players around him is a fantastic trait to have – and said that this is why Chelsea need to continue playing him at the spearhead of the attack.
“Giroud is different. He’s never been an out and out goal-scorer but he makes other people around him play better which is something magnificent to have,” he told Sky Sports.
“Chelsea will need him during the season because there will be matches where they will need to play with Giroud up front.”
OPINION
Football fans in general would have no doubt questioned why Chelsea signed Giroud in the first place, as it is hard to argue that he was a pretty bizarre signing. However, he has since taken the team by storm with his incredible contribution and occasional eye for goal. Yes, he does not find the back of the net as often as the supporters would like, but his work rate is absolutely undeniable. Like Hasselbaink pointed out, Chelsea need to continue playing with him up front if they are to heed success this season. If anything, he is less of an out and out striker than Alvaro Morata is, and some fans would argue that he is a lot more effective on the pitch than the Spaniard is at the moment. Manager Maurizio Sarri would no doubt appreciate Giroud’s abilty to improve the players around him – as there is certainly ways in which they could make their attack more lethal.