Arsene Wenger has allegedly remarked that Arsenal do not need to sign a new forward having signed Alexis Sanchez for £30 million from FC Barcelona. There is however little direct competition for Olivier Giroud up front, even if Sanchez can play as a primary forward. Last season Sanchez made the majority of his appearances for Barcelona as a right sided forward, rather than a central player. Giroud then, looks to have a significant role to play for the club, but is he good enough? Olivier Giroud most crucially is by far the least clinical forward of any of the top forwards in the English Premier League, a dismal conversion rate of just 18.2%, almost 10% lower than that of Chelsea’s new forward Diego Costa. The difference between him and the other forwards is stark and it was obvious in his play as he squandered many glorious opportunities in big games last year. Further to this Giroud has the lowest passing accuracy, joint lowest dribbles per game and the joint second lowest chances created. The only area where he is strongest is in aerial duels. In all other features of his play he is not good enough for a side wanting to win the title and this could be the difference come May 2015. #453447684 / gettyimages Giroud is not very technical, his touch is often too heavy in tight spaces and his distribution and link play on the deck is also poor, hence his low passing accuracy. His strength is as noted in the air, where he can win headers and get on the end of crosses. On the deck though, he’s poor. Arsenal don’t have another great option to play as a proper central striker. Sanchez will surely push one of Theo Walcott or Santi Cazorla off of the wings. Sanchez did convert just over 30% of his 66 efforts on goal last season which is a very efficient return. But, he is more mobile and better at dropping off. If he was in a front three with a far superior centre forward to Giroud then Arsenal’s front line would look frightening. Without a top centre-forward it still doesn’t. Giroud does not terrify defences and probably won’t next season either. As a back up forward he’s a good option because of his aerial threat, but aside from that he doesn’t offer enough. Arsenal should purchase a new striker if they are serious about challenging for the title. Purchasing Alexis Sanchez does not change this.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 12:20:53 +0000
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