- Olivier Giroud
Name: Olivier Giroud
Born: 30th September, 1986
Age: 25
Nationality: French
Team: Montpellier
Position: Striker
KEY FIFA 12 STATS
Transfer Fee: £6 million
Overall Rating: 77
Jumping: 93
Strength: 83
Finishing 83
Shot Power: 81
Attacking Position: 81
Olivier Giroud made the perfect full debut for the French national team, scoring Les Bleus first goal in a 2-1 win away to Germany on Wednesday, just 21 minutes into his debut.
If you observe the Ligue 1 table at the time of this piece on Giroud being published, you will notice that unfancied, Montpellier, occupy first place, a single point ahead of big spending, Paris Saint-Germain. Olivier Giroud is the man responsible for firing Montpellier to such a lofty, ‘unexpected’ position in Ligue 1, with 16 goals and 7 assists to his name, in just 24 matches.
Such form has seen Giroud promoted to the French national team in time for Euro 12, but there seemed a time when Giroud wouldn’t make it at all, let alone earn a cap for France.
Being born in the Alps, an area of France low on football heritage and history of any note, Giroud had no other option but to start his career at lowly Grenoble FC. Unfortunately for Giroud, - or Grenoble on relfection – his Manager never placed any confidence in Giroud, so age 21, Giroud left Grenoble with just five appearances under his belt to join Tours in the same division. (Ligue 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR_kI9eA5lQ
It was at Tours where Giroud realised his potential, scoring fifty-two goals in just two seasons for Tours, earning looks of admiration from all over Europe. In January 2010, Giroud rejected the advances of Celtic and signed for Montpellier just days later for two million euros, with it written into the deal that Giroud see out the rest of the season for Tours in order to help aide their promotion cause.
Though Tours didn’t achieve promotion, Giroud did earn himself the title of top scorer and player of the year at Tours, so not exactly a wasted season on a personal level!
In his first season with Montpellier, Giroud netted twelve times, assisting three goals in thirty-seven appearances, helping Montpellier to an unexpected cup final appearance.
With big moves being touted constantly, it seems only a matter of time before Giroud is plucked away from Montpellier and a good Euro 2012 campaign will only help.
