Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has made a name for himself at the top level, but back when things weren’t so bright, he tried to model his game around Ukrainian star Andriy Shevchenko.
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Although he was considered a flop in England when he came to Chelsea, Shevchenko is still considered to be one of the best strikers to ever grace the sport. The 2004 Balon d’Or winner rose to prominence at Dynamo Kyiv, later moving to AC Milan where he became their second highest ever scorer with 175 goals in 322 appearances.
Andriy Shevchenko – Flickr Creative Commons.
Giroud is an apparent admirer of the Ukrainian, so much so, he even tried to run like him.
"“When I was young I tried to run like Shevchenko because he was a fantastic player and really elegant as well”“Sometimes at training I used to start running like him. He runs in a special way and he was really powerful – short but strong. I tried to imitate his shots as well.”“I don’t think my coach noticed though, because it was a quick try. It was not an obsession!”– Olivier GiroudSource: Arsenal.com"
The French international has become an important player for the Gunners, having scored 22 goals from 51 appearances last season. As for this campaign, he has spent a bit of time on the sidelines due to injury, scoring six goals in 10 appearances so far.
His wonderfully-timed runs have led to a couple of near-post goals which would make Schevchenko proud.
"“Sometimes the boss used to say, ‘Of course the striker has to go to the near post because after it will create some space behind you, even if you don’t get the ball, the defenders will have to follow you’.”“After it’s easier for maybe a midfielder or the other forwards to make other runs. We say most of the time, ‘first post, first there’.”“In that situation it was true but the crosses Hector (against Newcastle) and Theo put in, against Spurs last year, were perfect. After that, it’s all about the outside of my foot.”– Olivier GiroudSource: Arsenal.com"
Arsenal currently sit in fifth place on the Premier League table, but they are only one point behind Manchester United. With a crucial match against Manchester City coming up on Sunday, they will need Giroud at his Shevchenko-like best.
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Arsenal have never finished outside of the top four under Arsene Wenger, but this season it does seem a possibility, with the likes of Southampton and West Ham doing so well.
When you add the sporadic brilliance of Manchester United, it does seem a little worrying for Wenger and his men, but if Giroud can continue to find the back of the net — well along with the amazing Alexis Sanchez — the gunners should be alright.
Giroud is certainly no Shevchenko, but he is a top player in his own right, and as long as he keeps on improving, he could probably take Arsenal places.
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