By Braden Chalker
Olivier Giroud is expected to make an instant impact next month when he makes debut for LAFC in Major League Soccer.
The ex-AC Milan striker is the latest Frenchman to rock up to BMO Stadium alongside former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who joined the Black and Gold like Giroud on a free transfer back in January.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, the 37-year-old is fresh off a 2023/24 season in the Italian top flight in which he bagged 15 goals and eight assists. LAFC already announced the 2018 World Cup winner's arrival a few weeks back but the veteran goalscorer won't be able to make his debut until after July 18, when the MLS secondary transfer window opens -- which happens to be four days after the Euro 2024 final which France are expected to reach.
Here are five reasons as to why Giroud instantly makes LAFC MLS Cup finalists.
Five reasons why Giroud helps LAFC become MLS Cup finalists
1. He brings the winning mentality to Los Angeles
It may be a cliche saying, but it's still true to this day: Having players that have gone and won trophies help build a winning mentality and culture at a club and within the squad.
The likes of Ilie Sanchez and Denis Bouanga both played key roles in LAFC's 2022 MLS Cup triumph, and they've only increased their chances of adding another star above their badge with the addition of Giroud -- who's lifted over 10 trophies in his extensive career.
2. Giroud is the target man LAFC needed
LAFC have been fortunate to rely on players like Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz to do most of the goalscoring this season after club legend Carlos Vela has yet to re-sign with the team.
After all, Bouanga did capture last year's Golden Boot, but Bogusz is essentially a midfielder-turned-striker. Giroud should be able to slot into Steve Cherundolo's XI, allowing Bogusz to return to the middle of the park on a permanent basis.
3. Giroud provides consistency
You might think that Giroud's output might've strayed here and there during his career which has seen him take on stints with Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan.
However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Outside of two seasons in his career in which he managed seven goals in 2017/18 with Arsenal and five goals in 2018/19 with Chelsea, Giroud has been one of the most consistent strikers in the sport.
Giroud has managed to score at least 10 goals in his last 15 seasons played that dates back to the 2009/10 season with Tours FC in France.
4. Giroud's production hasn't fallen off a cliff
It might be easy to make the assumption that as a player ages, their production might decline, too. But that isn't the case for Giroud.
In fact, it's been the exact opposite. In his three seasons with Chelsea, Giroud scored 13, 10 and 11 goals before departing at the end of the 2020/21 season.
His three years in Italy appear to have done him wonders, as the veteran center-forward went on to bag 14 goals in 2021/22, 18 goals in 2022/23 and 17 goals in 2023/24 before exiting the San Siro on a free transfer.
5. Giroud can take on a couple of different play styles
As Giroud continues to age like a fine wine, he's fully capable of taking on a couple of different play styles in attack. Now, this doesn't mean you're going to see him lineup as a winger in Cherundolo's 4-3-3 system, but he could be utilized in ways outside of a typical striker.
Giroud is known for linking up will with his teammates around the penalty area. The former Montpellier figure has displayed in the past that he can hold play up and wait for his teammates to arrive in the final third.
Of course, Giroud can also take on the poacher role. Given his age, this might be how he's utilized the most during his time in LA and also given how subpar MLS defenses can be from time-to-time.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as 5 reasons why Olivier Giroud helps LAFC become MLS Cup finalists.
