Former Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness’s unappreciative critique of France’s striker Olivier Giroud has enraged Arsenal veteran Ian Wright.
Giroud has now scored three goals in the current edition of the World Cup. His current campaign has turned out to be leaps and bounds better than his last one, as the former Arsenal and Chelsea attacker failed to register a goal in Russia in 2018. France captured the title.
Despite Giroud’s strong showing in Qatar, Souness did not overlook the Frenchman’s underwhelming 2018 season. The pundit suggested that Giroud is only playing because Karim Benzema is injured.
“I’m not Giroud’s biggest fan. I’m just not. Seven games in the last World Cup, he’s a center-forward in the team that wins it, he’s not had a shot on target. I think he’s very lucky.
When you mention him in the same breath as Thierry Henry, I’m sorry. I would say his record is there for one reason and one reason only: Karim Benzema being out for such a long time, all the controversy he was involved in.”
Souness said in criticism of the AC Milan striker.
Wright, who was Arsenal’s top scorer for six seasons in a row, slammed Souness’ for his harsh comments and said that Giroud’s role in Didier Deschamps’ side goes a lot further than simply scoring goals.
He lauded Giroud’s technical abilities and added that the Champions League-winning centre-forward must be given credit for his contributions.
Giroud has been excellent so far, scoring three goals for his side. He has also formed a deadly combination with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, who have also shone this World Cup.
“We have to give Olivier Giroud praise. He’s broken Thierry Henry’s record and long may that last, although it won’t be long with the way Kylian Mbappe is going. The thing with Giroud, you see the total lack of respect he gets.
Graeme Souness was so disrespectful to him as a player and his goalscoring record. He didn’t give him any credit.”
