Patrice Evra says former France international team-mate Olivier Giroud has to be the first-choice striker at Chelsea.
The 34-year-old followed up his four-goal performance in the 4-0 midweek Champions League win over Sevilla by grabbing the equaliser as the Blues went top of the Premier League with an impressive 3-1 victory over Leeds at Stamford Bridge.
Giroud’s clever flicked near-post finish came in his first league start of the season and meant the former Arsenal man has scored in each of his previous six league starts for Chelsea.
”In Chelsea he is the most complete striker,” ex-Manchester United defender Evra said on Sky Sports. “And he is the striker that will help the team the most.
“I would start to call him Giroudinho and maybe he will play more often. Even when he doesn’t score goals he makes the team play better.
“People don’t appreciate Olivier until they play with him. It is a pleasure because he helps the team so much. He deserves more credit.
“He makes the team play better and gives balance.”
Evra said Giroud is a popular team-mate with all who play with him.
”It is not his best quality to press the ball but even Eden Hazard said he was pleased to play with Olivier because he is not a selfish striker,“ Evra added.
“Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham have to learn from him.”
