Arsene Wenger will have raised a few eyebrows today after claiming Olivier Giroud is one of the best strikers in the world.
The 29-year-old France international netted a hat-trick against Olympiacos on Wednesday night which fired Arsenal through to the Last 16 Round of the Champions League.
Giroud has been in scintillating form for the Gunners as of late, netting 10 goals in his last 12 appearances, and has silenced many of his critics whom suggest he is not good enough to fire Arsenal to the Premier League title.
His recent form has earned praise from Wenger, who now believes the former Montpellier forward should be ranked with the other top strikers in world football:
‘I think he’s in that league because he plays for one of the best clubs in Europe and he scores goals.
‘If you look at the number of games and the number of goals, you have to give him credit.
‘He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who puts work in for the team. I think he’s among the best strikers in Europe.
‘I believe recently he has come back with an improved game and with his finishing. Wednesday was one of his best performances on all fronts.’
Giroud did struggled to get into the Arsenal side earlier in the campaign, with Wenger preferring Theo Walcott as his main striker, but the former has taken the opportunity given to him while the latter was sidelined through injury.
Giroud is now expected to start against Aston Villa on Sunday after his recent performances.
But is the French forward really one of the best strikers in world football as Wenger suggest? Or is Arsene getting a little ahead of himself after triumphing in Greece earlier in the week?
Giroud has been in great from recently but he wasn’t doing so well earlier on in the campaign – this is why I don’t believe he is up there with the best in the world.
The best always show their class when it matters and I believe Olivier doesn’t do so as much as he should do. At times the Frenchman doesn’t look like he is playing even though he is!
One of the best in the world? I think this is a step to far, but when on form, you cannot deny Giroud offers a lot.
