Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Olivier Giroud, Ian Wright, Graeme Souness, Football, France
Alexander Duke
Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Olivier Giroud, Ian Wright, Graeme Souness, Football, France
British football icons Graeme Souness and Ian Wright have clashed with differing thoughts on former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
Giroud has recently overtaken Thierry Henry’s record as the all-time top goalscorer for France, following his goal in Sunday's 3-1 win over Poland in the World Cup round of 16.
He has now scored 52 goals for his national side, one more than the Arsenal legend managed during his career.
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Yet, Giroud’s legacy as a footballer is often the subject of significant debate amongst football fans, with Souness and Wright being no exception.
Whilst on ITV, Souness said: "I'm not his biggest fan. I’m just not. Seven games in the last World Cup for a team that wins it, never had a shot on target.
"I think he's very lucky. When you talk about mentioning him in the same breath as Thierry Henry – I'm sorry."
Souness also suggested that Giroud’s record could be attributed to the fact that fellow striker Karim Benzema had such a long spell out of the French national side.
"I would say his record is there because of one reason and one reason only – Benzema being out for such a long time with all the controversy he was involved in," he said.
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"Benzema is on a completely other level, another level."
Yet, Ian Wright was quick to rush to the defence of the striker, who currently plays at club level for AC Milan.
Speaking on his podcast, Wrighty’s House, Wright said: "The thing with Giroud, it’s a total lack of respect that he gets. Graeme Souness was so disrespectful to him as a player.
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"Giroud is essential to every team he plays in. It’s not about goals, what’s gonna define him."
Giroud was part of the France squad that won the World Cup in 2018 and has 117 caps for his country. He has also collected an impressive haul of trophies during his time in England, including three FA Cups and three Community Shields during his time at Arsenal, and a Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup whilst at Chelsea.