Could Olivier Giroud be France’s key man?

Striker provides much-needed balance

For much of Olivier Giroud’s time at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger seemed intent on replacing him.

Giroud is second-to-none with his back to goal, he’s superb at playing quick one-twos and he’s a good finisher in the air or on the ground. But his lack of pace is often seen as a major drawback.

It’s why Wenger chased the likes of Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema. It’s also why he tried using Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott up front, before bringing in Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during his last year in charge.

And it’s why Didier Deschamps selected a front trio of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele for France’s opening World Cup game against Australia.

All three of them are quick and exciting forwards. But having your attacking players fluidly interchange always seems to work better in theory than it does in practice.

Giroud’s introduction helped swing the game in France’s favour. He also played a key role in their win over Peru.

Classic big man

France arguably have the most talented squad in Russia, but they’ve looked much less than the sum of their parts so far.

Giroud isn’t their most gifted player, not by a long shot, but he helps to knit the whole side together.

Griezmann is much happier playing off another striker, as he does with Diego Costa at club level. Giroud’s presence occupies defenders, opening space for Griezmann to exploit.

His aerial prowess also gives Les Bleus the option of going long, while his ability to hold up the ball and then link up with midfielders can help Paul Pogba to have a greater influence over games.