Wenger - Olivier has special qualities

By Lloyd Webb

Arsene Wenger says Olivier Giroud has “special qualities” that mark him out among his peers.

The French international has been in fantastic form this year and has scored10 goals in his last 12 games for the Gunners.

Wenger is delighted with his form and says Giroud’s hat-trick heroics against Olympiacos on Wednesday was one of his finest performances in an Arsenal shirt.

“He has gone through this calendar year with ups and downs but overall it is typical Olivier Giroud,” the manager said. “That means when it doesn’t work, he puts effort in.

“I believe recently he has come back with an improved game and with his finishing. Wednesday was one of his best performances on all fronts, I must say. If you look at his record, I believe he has special qualities that are difficult to find.

"You want him to be efficient as well. Where he has improved a lot is his link play with the other players, and that’s very important in our team. He’s a guy who wants always to improve and he has a positive mentality, and a strong one.

"I think that’s why he has come back in a very strong way. We are in a job where you have to accept that in every game, you are questioned. In his job, as a centre forward, [it’s] even more. If you don’t score for three games, you’re questioned again. That’s part of the job.

“If you look at the number of games and the number of goals, you have to give him credit. He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who puts work in for the team. I think he’s among the best strikers in Europe.”