Arsenal’s Giroud vs Roma’s Dzeko – Why The Frenchman Would Be A Better Signing For Chelsea
Chelsea are reportedly preparing a shock bid for Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud should their pursuit for AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko fail this month. Antonio Conte is very keen on strengthening his squad for the second half of the season and has already snapped up Ross Barkley from Everton this month.
However, the Italian wants to bring more attacking firepower to the Stamford Bridge, as summer recruit Alvaro Morata has been off-colour lately.
Injuries and accumulation of fatigue has seen Morata’s impact dwindle, and although Conte has a backup striker in the form of Michy Batshuayi, he lacks faith in the Belgian and thereby remains reluctant to use him. Morata’s struggles have become more pronounced with each passing week. He’s scored only 3 times in his last 15 appearances and was sent off in his most recent outing.
This has led to our manager aiming for a target man, and as reports suggest, Dzeko tops the list of January targets. If the deal for the Roma frontman stalls due to any reason, Conte is surprisingly hoping to lure Giroud from Arsenal. The Arsenal striker is understood to be keen on staying in London; so a move to Chelsea may appeal.
But who would be a better signing for Chelsea? Let’s compare Dzeko and Giroud.
Talking about Dzeko, the Roma man is arguably one of the best target men in Europe. But to acquire his services, Chelsea have to fork out a substantial amount of money. The Bosnian is exemplary in the role and such is his aggression and ability to bully defenders with his strength.
On the other hand, Giroud has hardly been a regular starter for Arsenal this season but has been efficient from the bench by scoring important goals.
There is a real craft to influencing games from the bench and Giroud has mastered it at Arsenal. Every goal from the French international provides Arsene Wenger with further evidence that he is best suited to the role of an impact sub rather than a starter.
Let us have a statistical comparison between the two strikers.
In 21 league games, Dzeko has contributed 10 goals and 3 assists. Giroud, who is currently sidelined with injury, has scored 4 goals in 15 games. Interestingly, Giroud has only started one league game this term.
Both the players are physically strong and are known for scoring bullet headers – so it is not a surprise to see both of them tied at 2 headed goals scored.
Dzeko has the habit of losing his calm at times – yellow carded thrice, while Giroud is yet to pick up a booking.
Given their physicality and the ability to bully defenders, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international has won 57.43% aerial duels, compared to the France international’s 56.10%. Both the players are very aggressive; thus it is tough to differentiate them on this aspect.
However, the two strikers are not known for their silky touch and creativity. Yet, Dzeko has made an eye-catching 31 key passes. In comparison, Giroud has only made 7 crucial passes.
These stats show that Dzeko is a far better, complete and skilled striker than Giroud in every aspect. Both the strikers are 31 years old and it would be foolish to think that they will improve from here on. But not to forget, Conte is looking for a backup to Morata and not a new striker to lead the line for Chelsea. In that respect, the Arsenal man perfectly fits the bill.
Dzeko won’t leave Roma until and unless Conte guarantees him regular game time but in the case of Giroud, he has been playing second fiddle at Arsenal this season and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Conte lures the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge.
Giroud deserves more praise than he usually gets but could be at the end of more flak if he eventually succeeds in swapping Arsenal for Chelsea.
Courtesy: Squawka.