“Immaculate mentality” – Arsenal legend heaps the praise on Chelsea star after UCL heroics

Arsene Wenger praises Olivier Giroud after 4-goal show in Sevilla rout

Talking to CBS Sport (h/t Metro), legendary manager Arsene Wenger hailed his former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud after he starred in a 4-0 win for Chelsea against Sevilla last week.

Wenger brought Giroud to the Premier League from Montpellier when he signed him for Arsenal in 2012.

The French international went on to enjoy 6 sensational years with the Gunners, where he also featured heavily in three FA Cup wins.

Giroud made the tough move to Stamford Bridge in the 2018 winter transfer window after he was signed by then Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. (h/t Metro)

Despite playing backup to German international Timo Werner and English sensation Tammy Abraham, Giroud has impressed in his time at the Bridge.

The four goals that he scored against Sevilla took his Chelsea goal tally to 34 in 98 appearances, with most of them coming from the bench.

Wenger said that he always knew about Giroud’s qualities, before praising his ‘qualities that nobody else has’.

“I said that many times, as well the Premier League, in the French national team there is always a debate about him but Olivier Giroud has – apart from his footballing qualities – he has an absolutely strong mentality and strong motivational level and has qualities that nobody else has. He can always be a resource inside a club even when he doesn’t start the game and has an immaculate mentality.”

The former Arsenal manager remarked that having 100 caps for the French national team is no coincidence due to Giroud’s resilience and footballing ability.

“He is a real team player what is not always the case for strikers and overall I think he is an exceptional personality. And that’s why every time you think he’s disappeared, he bounces back. There’s no coincidence, he has over 100 caps for France. Nobody gives you 100 caps to please you.”

Olivier Giroud has been linked with a move away from Chelsea in January, but stated that he wishes to stay at the club if he is able to impress the manager into giving him more game time.

Chelsea play Leeds United in the Premier League as Lampard’s men attempt to keep the pressure on the league leaders. Giroud would be hoping that his performance against Sevilla was enough to get him his third start of the season.

Nevertheless, Chelsea have a fantastic squad brimming with quality all over the pitch. The fans can have no complaints regarding Lampard’s happy headache while selecting his striker every week.