Arsenal: Olivier Giroud needs to get comfortable

Robert Pires has revealed his understanding that Olivier Giroud is uncomfortable with his current situation at Arsenal. Well, he needs to get comfortable but it’s not going to change. And nor should it.

A World-Cup year does funny things to players. Injuries become the most frightening of nightmares, stars are desperate to keep themselves fresh as the season draws to a close, and those on the fringes of their international squads are desperate for regular playing time, and many will make a January move to get it.

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For Arsenal, given the general standard of player in their squad, they must deal with a lot of the latter category. And this year is like every other: there is a myriad of different players who yearn to play in the Premier League because of next summer’s World Cup.

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Perhaps the most famous example currently is Olivier Giroud. The French striker has not yet started a league game this season, primarily because of the summer addition of Alexandre Lacazette. And Robert Pires has stated that he understands the Giroud is a little uncomfortable with the lack of playing time that he is receiving:

"“The situation is not easy for him [Giroud] because he wants to play and go to the World Cup with France. As a player, he’s not comfortable but this is football and Arsene Wenger has a selection dilemma on who to pick over Giroud and Lacazette right now. The first thing I’d do [if I was Giroud] is to talk with Arsene Wenger <…> After the meeting, he can take a decision but as I understand the situation for Olivier he’s not comfortable actually.”"

Now, I have great sympathy for Giroud. He has a been a loyal and faithful servant, and even chose to stay in the summer irrespective of Arsene Wenger telling him that his role would be reduced somewhat. But, in this instance, he must have to grow to be comfortable with what he is given.

Arsenal’s attack is significantly better with a mobile centre-forward who can stretch the pitch through their movement off the ball. Giroud is simply not that type of player. That is not to say that he is a bad player. In fact, he is a very good one, and has, on several occasions, proven that, this season and over the last few seasons.

But there are limitations to his game because of his lack of athleticism in space. And those limitations enforce restrictions on the team as a whole. Arsenal are a much more potent team with Lacazette leading line. In fact, I would rather see Danny Welbeck or Alexis Sanchez start in the central striking role ahead of Giroud because of their greater mobility.

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Giroud is a good player. But he should not be the Gunners’ starter. Those days are over. It is time for him and the club to move forward. That may mean a departure; that may mean an acceptance of a lesser role. Either way, Giroud must grow comfortable with the position that he is now in. It’s not changing. And nor should it.