Oliver Giroud was hailed as an outstanding professional as he remarkably overtook Zinedine Zidanes 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.
Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud netted his 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th Champions League goals as he scored FOUR against Sevilla
The manager underlined Girouds value to the team after the strikers 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 Girouds stunning European scoring form for the Blues, with the striker netting 17 goals since joining the London club from Arsenal in 2018.
Thats 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 – thats 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.
Giroud was in ruthless form as Chelsea blew away Europa League winners Sevilla
Danny Mills was on co-commentary duty for talkSPORT, and he was in awe of Girouds finishing and fitness.
The first goal, its 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. Its a superb finish, the goalkeeper has no chance.
His second, its another outstanding finish. To just dink it over the keeper like that, its absolutely magnificent.
Zidane scored one of the greatest goals in Champions League history – but Giroud now has more than the France legend
And his third, its just a brilliant header.
Thats why Frank says hes really valuable to this side.
He hasn’t had much game time of late, but the composure, the sharpness. He doesn’t panic.
He comes on at the weekend, 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.
Hes an absolutely brilliant professional.