The worst kept secret is out in the open for all to see. Olivier Giroud is officially an Arsenal player, after the much awaited announcement on the club’s official website. The funny thing about such secrets is that no-one really doubts if it will happen, the main question mark is on when. As far as Giroud is concerned, the answer is now.
Profile
Arsenal transfers
Strengths
Arsenal transfers
Olivier Giroud seems tailor-made for the English league weighing 88 kilos and standing 192 cm tall. The Frenchman plays an orthodox number 9 role, spearheading the attack in any formation.
He likes having a shot, and has scored numerous eye-catchy goals from range. Having attempted an incredible 135 shots in 36 matches last season of which 70 were on target, he found the net on 21 occasions. Predominantly left footed, Giroud has scored a fair share of right footed goals too, just like Robin Van Persie. Olivier Giroud is extremely clinical in front of goal, and had a conversion rate of 19.8% by January end (Van Persie had a 19.2% conversion rate by then), before temporarily losing form.
He holds up play excellently, but scores very few headers for a player that tall. Having said that, he is excellent in aerial duels and usually come up on top when contesting in the air. Having been involved in some neat build up play for Montpellier all season, it’s safe to say he is aware of the players around, and makes a lot of key passes during the game. Despite playing only 190 minutes for France in 2012, Giroud has 1 goal and 3 assists, thus showing his tendency to be directly involved in the build up. Being supported by Belhanda, Utaka and Camara at Montpellier, Giroud often chose a lay up or a knock down or a flick on for his teammates, thus being a proper team player.
His biggest strength is his big-game mentality, he popped up with game winning goals in big matches, as his goals against PSG in the Coupe De France and St. Ettiene in Ligue.
Arsenal transfers
Weaknesses
Arsenal transfers
What Will He Add To Arsenal?
Arsenal transfers
.
Verdict
Arsenal transfers
Olivier Giroud is another brilliant transfer coup by Arsene Wenger. In a market where even unproven talents cost upto 20 million pounds, Arsenal have now bought two of the best strikers of last season for just 3 million more than that. Coming into the English league from a foreign one isn’t easy, but we expect Giroud to gel in England easily like a fish takes to water. His buddy Koscielny and the rest of the French contingent at Arsenal will make sure he settles down and makes a huge impact.
Comparisons are normal, and just like Arsenal legend Ian Wright, Giroud has entered the scene late. Will he end the trophy drought at Arsenal? Only time can tell. For the time-being expect tap-ins, screamers and a lot of game-winning goals from Arsenal’s new recruit. Late bloomer he might be, but having signed for Arsenal at 25, we can safely say, Olivier Giroud has arrived!
TheHardTackle Transfer Rating – 8.5/10
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