Giroud.As a football fan, there are few things more exciting than witnessing the transfer of a top player from one club to another. It brings about a new chapter in their career and opens up endless possibilities for their future success. One such player who has experienced this journey is French striker Olivier Giroud, who made the move from Arsenal to Chelsea in January 2018.

Giroud’s Impact on the French National Team: A Key Figure in Recent Success

Before we delve into Giroud’s transfer journey, let’s take a moment to appreciate his contributions to the French national team. Giroud made his international debut for France in 2011 and has been a key figure in recent success for Les Bleus. He played a crucial role in their runner-up finish at the 2016 European Championship and was an integral part of the team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The Journey to Becoming a Regular Starter

Giroud’s journey with the French national team hasn’t always been smooth sailing. He started as a backup option for Karim Benzema, and despite impressing with his physicality and aerial prowess, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot. However, his persistence paid off when he became a crucial member of the squad during Euro 2016 under manager Didier Deschamps.

During the tournament, Giroud’s link-up play and ability to hold up the ball proved to be vital for France’s attacking strategy. He scored three goals and provided two assists, including a crucial header against Iceland in the quarter-finals. His performances earned him a place in the UEFA Euro 2016 Team of the Tournament and solidified his position as a key player for France.

Leading the Line in the World Cup Triumph

Giroud’s success at the European Championship paved the way for a starting role in the 2018 World Cup. Despite going goalless throughout the tournament, he played an essential role in the team’s success. His selflessness and work rate opened up space for his teammates and allowed them to thrive in attack. He also provided a crucial assist in the final against Croatia, setting up Kylian Mbappé for France’s fourth goal.

Moreover, Giroud’s presence in the team brought balance to their attacking trio of Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and himself. While the other two players were known for their pace and skill, Giroud’s physicality and hold-up play gave the team a different dimension in their attacking style. His partnership with Griezmann and Mbappé proved to be a lethal combination, and they were dubbed “GGM” by fans and media.

The Evolution of Giroud’s Playing Style: Adapting and Thriving

Giroud’s journey from Arsenal to Chelsea not only meant a change in clubs but also signified an evolution in his playing style. Let’s take a closer look at how Giroud’s game has changed over the years and how he has adapted to different roles and systems.

The Early Years: A Traditional Target Man

When Giroud joined Arsenal in 2012, he was known for his strength, aerial ability, and hold-up play. He was the prototypical target man – a striker who could hold the ball up, bring others into play, and offer an aerial threat in the box. This style of play was perfectly suited for Arsenal’s possession-based system under manager Arsene Wenger.

Giroud’s physical presence and link-up play were crucial in Arsenal’s attack, and he formed a lethal partnership with players like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. He became a regular starter for the club and scored 105 goals in 253 appearances, making him the seventh-highest goal scorer in Arsenal’s history.

A New Challenge at Chelsea: Adapting to a Different Style

In January 2018, Giroud made the move from Arsenal to Chelsea, signing an 18-month contract with the Blues. This transfer was met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his age (31 at the time) and others doubting his ability to adapt to Chelsea’s style of play.

A False Nine Role: Embracing a New Challenge

The 2018-19 season saw a change in Chelsea’s tactics under new manager Maurizio Sarri. He implemented a “Sarriball” style, which relied heavily on quick passing and movement, with the striker playing a false nine role. This was a significant shift from Giroud’s traditional target man role, but he embraced this new challenge and thrived.

Giroud’s intelligence and understanding of the game allowed him to excel in this role. He would drop deep to receive the ball and link-up with his teammates before making runs into the box. His movement and ability to create space for others proved to be crucial in Chelsea’s attacking play. He also showed his versatility by providing cover on the wings when needed, showcasing his adaptability and dedication to the team’s success.

Conclusion

Giroud’s journey from Arsenal to Chelsea has been a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, adaptation, and success. His impact on the French national team has been significant, with him playing a crucial role in their recent success at major international tournaments. Furthermore, his evolution as a player, adapting to different roles and styles, is a testament to his dedication and professionalism.