France manager Didier Deschamps has explained the decision to include out- of-form Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in his final 23-man squad for Euro 2016.
The Gunners star ended a goal drought of 15 Premier League games by netting against Manchester City last Sunday, and his inclusion in the Les Blues’ party was a hot topic at a press conference on Thursday evening.
Deschamps addressed the media in attendance, saying on the 6ft 4in striker’s inclusion: “He’s scored 25 goals this season, four for France.
“I know his qualities. I’m not worried about him.”
With Real Madrid star Karim Benzema omitted in a bid to retain a positive atmosphere among the group, there will now be added pressure on Giroud to produce the goods as he will be expected lead the line at the tournament this summer.
When playing with confidence, the 29-year-old is be a big problem to opposition defences. His performances in 2016 against Liverpool and City were nothing short of sensational, however, the big problem is that he struggles for consistency.
In any case, France are blessed with attacking talent and they possess enough fire-power in the likes of Andre-Pierre Gignac, Antoine Griezmann and Anthony Martial and either one of the three can play as a lone centre-forward if required.
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette has been left out in favour of Giroud, with the in-form Ligue 1 attacker only making the standby list.
Surprisingly, there is also no place for Hatem Ben Arfa despite excellent form for Nice this season, as his 17 goals and five assists in Ligue 1 clearly hasn’t done enough to warrant a spot in Deschamps’ team.
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