Olivier Giroud is as good as Sergio Aguero, Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

Olivier Giroud

ARSENE WENGER reckons Olivier Giroud is as good as Robert Lewandowski, Sergio Aguero and Karim Benzema.
But the Arsenal boss insists his striker’s lack of spark will mean he never gets the plaudits he deserves.
Giroud, 29, single-handedly steered the Gunners to the Champions League knockout stages with a sensational hat-trick to see off Olympiakos 3-0 on Wednesday night.

But while Manchester City ace Aguero, Bayern Munich’s Lewandowski and Real Madrid star Benzema are capable of the spectacular, Wenger knows what he is getting from his fellow Frenchman.



Wenger said: “He is not an electric type of player, he gets less spectacular actions and less credit as well.
“You see a guy who is electric and goes out you say ‘that is fantastic’. But the kind of header Giroud scored for the first goal on Wednesday, you do not get so much credit.
“OK he was there and he headed the ball in. But it was an important goal.
“Would I class him alongside Aguero, Lewandowski and Benzema? Of course.
“He wants to work more. You need to show that he doesn’t lose your confidence, but he’s ready to put a shift in and to work harder.”

Karim Benzema is considered as one of the best strikers around

Giroud was signed for £13million from Montpellier in 2012 but after a sometimes difficult time at the Emirates Stadium, he is now looking the real deal.
Wenger said: “I never felt I got the wrong man. I think when you are in a big club you can never give up.
“But I never questioned the fact he will be a much-needed striker here.
“If you go on the counter-attack, of course, he is not the kind of player that you want or select first.