“Ultimate professional” – Lampard heaps the praise on out-of-favour Chelsea star after UCL heroics

Frank Lampard hailed Olivier Giroud after the Frenchman scored 4 goals against Sevilla

Speaking in the post-match interview (h/t Daily Mail) after the 4-0 win against Sevilla, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard praised Olivier Giroud after the 34-year-old striker scored 4 goals on the night.

Chelsea had already qualified for the Champions League knockout stages before the game against Sevilla, but knew that a win in Seville would mean qualification as group winners.

Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 8th minute before scoring 3 more goals in the second half to seal a 4-0 win.

This was only the second start this season for Giroud, whose lack of game time has led to rumours linking the Frenchman with a loan move away from Stamford Bridge in January. (h/t Daily Mail)

The ex-Arsenal striker has become a benchwarmer at the club and is behind £53m summer signing Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham in the pecking order.

Giroud, who has 44 goals for France, would want to be France’s premier striking option when they travel to the UEFA Euros next summer. However, both Lampard and Giroud know that the Frenchman would need more playing time at Chelsea for that to happen. (h/t Daily Mail)

Amidst talks about him leaving Chelsea on loan, Frank Lampard praised Giroud’s professionalism and acknowledged his importance to the club.

“He is the ultimate professional, and I think he’s done that through his career,’ said Lampard. I think that’s why with Oli you see his numbers for France and in the Champions League. He wasn’t always a regular before I got here, but as soon as I came in I could feel the positivity off him as a player, how he wants to train, how he wants to affect people whether he starts or not.”

Lampard also went on to say that he is the perfect example for other Chelsea players who are vying to get more first-team minutes at the club.

When asked if he would bench Giroud against Leeds United in the Premier League next week, Lampard did not give a definitive answer but said that such a performance from Giroud would give him problems when picking his best XI.

“I always say when I pick the team I try to pick the best team for the game, and not to have favourites as such. You try to put the best team on paper, but when players play like they did today they give you a great problem… It was an amazing performance from Oli, to score four goals at this level, Champions League level, against a really good opponent.”

Giroud has always been a top professional despite not being a regular in the side. Moreover, he has always performed well when given an opportunity. Players like the Frenchman are a rare breed these days and we must cherish such footballers.