Oliver Giroud was hailed as an ‘outstanding professional’ as he remarkably overtook Zinedine Zidane’s Champions League record on Wednesday night – with FOUR goals against Sevilla.
The Frenchman has been a bit-part player for the majority of his Chelsea career, but continues to be a reliable source of goals when called upon by Frank Lampard.
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The manager underlined Giroud’s value to the team after the striker’s late winner in their previous Champions League clash against Rennes, and he again showed exactly why he stayed at Stamford Bridge in the summer as he found the net FOUR times in Spain.
The 34-year-old was ruthless as he scored a perfect hat-trick, netting with his left, right and then his head, before adding another from the penalty spot, as Chelsea sealed top spot in their group ahead of the draw for the knockout stages.
It continued Giroud’s stunning European scoring form for the Blues, with the striker netting 17 goals since joining the London club from Arsenal in 2018.
That’s more than DOUBLE the amount of goals of his nearest rival in the Chelsea team since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
His quadruple against Sevilla also took his tally to 17 career goals in the Champions League – that’s more than France legend Zinedine Zidane and ex-Spain hitman David Villa [14].
And the World Cup winner was praised for his professionalism on Wednesday night, having starred again despite his lack of regular game time.
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Danny Mills was on co-commentary duty for talkSPORT, and he was in awe of Giroud’s finishing and fitness.
“The first goal, it’s a fabulous finish from Giroud, absolutely brilliant,” said the former Manchester City and Leeds defender.
“The way he checks back onto his favoured left foot, the composure, and then he just strokes the ball into the far corner. It’s a superb finish, the goalkeeper has no chance.
“His second, it’s another outstanding finish. To just dink it over the keeper like that, it’s absolutely magnificent.
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“And his third, it’s just a brilliant header.
“That’s why Frank says he’s really valuable to this side.
“He hasn’t had much game time of late, but the composure, the sharpness. He doesn’t panic.
“He came on last week [against Rennes], scores a goal, and he plays again tonight, scores a goal.
“He looks after himself, keeps himself in good shape. You never hear from him either, he never moans.
“He’s an absolutely brilliant professional.”
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