Joe Cole finally settles Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham debate
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has proven to be a quality striker time and again, but he has often had to prove himself almost every season.
Last term, Giroud started as third choice striker behind Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi, but ended up as the top striker in the second half of the campaign.
This season, he has had limited playing time, having been behind Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham in the pecking order.
Chelsea fans have been calling for Giroud to be given more opportunities, especially after his stoppage time goal against Rennes last week.
Joe Cole has weighed in on the debate, and has admitted that Giroud should stay at Chelsea beyond January and that the 34-year-old deserves to play more.
“I think Giroud has been different class and is a massively important part of the squad,” Cole told talkSPORT.
“Frank would love to keep him and Chelsea are in a position where if they don’t want him to go he doesn’t have to go as he signed a contract.
“He’ll have a big part to play in what will be a successful year for Chelsea.”
Joe Cole also defended Tammy Abraham, after his recent missed opportunities against Tottenham.
“Tammy’s been excellent,” Joe Cole added. “He offers something different to the other guys. “Having competition for places is important. He won’t be the first striker to miss a few chances.”