Olivier Giroud to MLS: When will the French striker be in action for new club LAFC?

France striker Olivier Giroud has completed his long-awaited move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side LAFC, having left AC Milan after three years with the Rossoneri.

Aged 37, Giroud has played his entire career in Europe so far and considered this stage of his career as the perfect time to seek a new challenge in a lesser-demanding league.

Olivier Giroud: Where will he fit in LAFC’s setup?

LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo will have to make a few tactical adjustments to his strongest lineup to accommodate Olivier Giroud. The club made their way to three separate finals last season but fell short in each one of them, with hopes now on the Frenchman to help get the team over the line.

Former MLS star-turned-commentator Taylor Twellman provided some details on how Giroud will slot into the lineup. He believes striker Denis Bouanga will be deployed in a deeper, creative role to allow him freedom of movement, while Giroud will be the fixed number nine.

He added that this plan is nearly infallible, saying,

“This nine (Giroud) will replace Chicho Arango so that Bouanga does not play as a false nine and can return to the depth of the field. With Bouanga and Giroud there is no reason to have a bad season, like they say about the last one even though goals have been scored.

“It will all depend on whether Giroud arrives from Europe. If he does well, it will be no surprise if LAFC is in the running for the MLS Cup.”

Giroud will be joining an LAFC side currently fourth in the Western Conference with 24 points after 14 games, having recorded seven wins, three draws, and four defeats.

The Frenchman’s time with AC Milan

Giroud joined AC Milan from Chelsea back in July 2021 and had a decent first season with his new club. He made 38 appearances across competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing four assists, helping Milan secure the Serie A title in style.

The following season, the experienced Frenchman took it a notch higher. He made 47 appearances across competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists. This season, he put up similar numbers as the last, making 47 appearances, scoring 17 goals, and providing nine assists.

He has also made 131 appearances overall for the national team. He is an all-time top scorer with 57 goals and has also provided 16 assists.

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