Chelsea: Why Olivier Giroud is one of the Blues’ most important players this season

Chelsea: Why Olivier Giroud is one of the Blues’ most important players this season
Olivier Giroud may not be every Chelsea fan’s idea of the quintessential striker but he sure is effective at what he does.Under Maurizio Sarri this season, the Frenchman has had to make do with a bit-part role and although his contract expires in June, Chelsea are keen to retain his services.3

Chelsea are more effective when Giroud plays

First, he alternated for a starting berth with Alvaro Morata and, since January, he has had to play second-fiddle to Gonzalo Higuain.Even Eden Hazard, a midfielder, has been preferred in the striking role ahead of the former Arsenal man. However, he was recalled to the starting XI for the match against Brighton at Stamford Bridge and opened the scoring minutes before half-time.It was only his second Premier League goal of the season, his first coming against Tottenham back in November and recent figures back up his claims for a more regular role in the team.According to reddit.com, Chelsea have found the net more often per minute when he has featured.3

Giroud scored just his second Premier League goal of the season against Brighton

The World Cup winner has played 789 minutes of football in the top-flight this season and Chelsea have scored 23 times, making it a goal every 34.3 minutes.In that time, he has played 90 minutes just twice and started just seven league games.But, without him, the Blues have hit the back of the net 31 times in 2091 minutes, which equates to a goal every 67.4 minutes, numbers which suggest Chelsea are actually better when he is playing.It’s not too surprising either. Giroud has carved out a reputation as being more than just goals.His failure to score last summer at the World Cup in Russia did little to hamper France, with his physical presence and link-up play considered key factors in helping them to win the tournament for a second time.International boss Didier Deschamps knows he needs the forward to facilitate the performances of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.3

Giroud assisted two of Hazard’s three goals against Cardiff

Back in September, Giroud had one of his best games in a Chelsea shirt and while he did not get on the score-sheet that day against Cardiff, he did assist two for Hazard, who netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 win and the Belgian praised his team-mate.Oliviers a target man, maybe the best in the world; I think so, said Hazard.When he gets the ball he can hold the ball and we can go in deep with him, so for us its a pleasure to play with him.Maybe Sarri doesn’t quite think so right now but we’d suggest he may be the right man to get the Blues a top four spot thanks to his all-round displays.

---

Man Utd now only Premier League ever-present to concede less than 1,000 goals after Chelsea ship two against Burnley Everton have conceded the most goals since the inception of the Premier League
Premier League records and statistics - Wikipedia

---

Pope Francis claims his Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi is not 'God', though understands why his fans refer to the Barcelona maestro as if he is. Messi's double in the 2-0 derby victory over Espanyol took his LaLiga tally to 31 goals for the season, while he has also created 12 in 27 league games for the table toppers.
Lionel Messi stats: STAGGERING goals and assists record in

---

Harry Redknapp appears on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Birmingham City fans say the same thing. The former BCFC, Tottenham and West Ham boss is among the celebrities in the jungle for
Harry Redknapp has Frank Lampard as relative and is more

---

Sean Cox: Brother of Liverpool fan who suffered serious injury in attack by Roma supporter says their lives have 'changed completely' Written by: fpnews Posted on: April 13, 2019 Martin Cox has told talkSPORT about how his family's lives have been turned upside down after his brother Sean was attacked outside Anfield before Liverpool's
Liverpool news : Liverpool fan Sean Cox speaks for first time

---

Premier League clubs are to discuss a Football Association proposal that would see the number of foreign players in squads reduced to deal with Brexit, Sky Sports News has been told.
Premier League clubs REJECT FA's Brexit plan to reduce number

---

Home / Tottenham vs Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum reveals lasting friendship with Champions League lasting friendship with Champions League final opponent.
Tottenham vs Liverpool: talkSPORT writers predict who will

---

Mauricio Pochettino has thrown his full support behind under pressure goalkeeper Hugo Lloris ahead of tomorrow's match against Crystal Palace. The Tottenham Hotspur boss has confirmed that he will keep faith with his captain and will start the Premier League match which will be the first to be
Painful situation against Liverpool, but Pochettino backs

---

Manchester United FC Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba reveals what his relationship with Solskjaer is like The midfielder's relationship with Jose Mourinho at Man Utd was turbulent but
Owen: Pogba under Klopp or Pep would be one of the best

---

Steven Gerrard insists Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos shouldn't change despite fourth red card of season. The Rangers boss did admit that others might not put their trust in him unless he
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos picks up FOURTH red card this

---

Southampton star James Ward-Prowse backed for England call-up by Arsenal legend Ray Parlour. Gareth Southgate is soon to announce his squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and
Saints star James Ward-Prowse backed for England call-up by

---

Toni Kroos has committed his future to Real Madrid by agreeing a contract extension through to 2023.. The World Cup winning-midfielder had been tied to the Blancos until 2022, but another 12
Toni Kroos: Real Madrid midfielder signs new contract - BBC Sport

---