Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has overlooked his Chelsea teammate Thibaut Courtois after being asked to name the best goalkeeper at the 2018 World Cup.
The Blues forward completed his move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window and became an instant hit, scoring five goals and contributing three assists in 18 appearances.
He replaced Alvaro Morata as the number one striker in the eyes of manager Antonio Conte and that status was confirmed when he started the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
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However, as France prepare for the World Cup semi-final against Belgium on Tuesday in St Petersburg Giroud has put aside his obligations to his club.
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If Les Blues are to make it into the final on Sunday they are going to have to make it past Belgium stopper Courtois, who has only kept two clean sheets in his nations five games.
Lloris meanwhile has only conceded goals in two matches – against Australia in the opening game and Argentina in the round of 16 – and Giroud feels be would be a worthy winner of the Yashin award given the best goalkeeper at the World Cup.
They have the same right foot, he told reporters. They dont use it much.
Thibaut has an impressive wingspan. Its hard to beat him on the sides. He can stop balls in any area.
I have scored a few goals against him in training with Chelsea and I hope I can do it on Tuesday.
More: Olivier Giroud
Theyre both great keepers. And they both deserve to be elected as best keeper of the tournament, even if I have a preference for Hugo. The best is Hugo. Sorry Thibaut.
Giroud is expected to come face-to-face with Courtois when France face Belgium, having played a part in each of their games en route to the semi-finals.
He made a 20-minute cameo appearance in the opening win over Australia but has played every minute of Frances campaign since, making an assist in the 4-3 success over Argentina in the first knockout round.
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Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has overlooked his Chelsea teammate Thibaut Courtois after being asked to name the best goalkeeper at the 2018 World Cup.
The Blues forward completed his move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window and became an instant hit, scoring five goals and contributing three assists in 18 appearances.
He replaced Alvaro Morata as the number one striker in the eyes of manager Antonio Conte and that status was confirmed when he started the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
More: Football
However, as France prepare for the World Cup semi-final against Belgium on Tuesday in St Petersburg Giroud has put aside his obligations to his club.
Advertisement Advertisement
If Les Blues are to make it into the final on Sunday they are going to have to make it past Belgium stopper Courtois, who has only kept two clean sheets in his nations five games.
Lloris meanwhile has only conceded goals in two matches – against Australia in the opening game and Argentina in the round of 16 – and Giroud feels be would be a worthy winner of the Yashin award given the best goalkeeper at the World Cup.
They have the same right foot, he told reporters. They dont use it much.
Thibaut has an impressive wingspan. Its hard to beat him on the sides. He can stop balls in any area.
I have scored a few goals against him in training with Chelsea and I hope I can do it on Tuesday.
More: Olivier Giroud
Theyre both great keepers. And they both deserve to be elected as best keeper of the tournament, even if I have a preference for Hugo. The best is Hugo. Sorry Thibaut.
Giroud is expected to come face-to-face with Courtois when France face Belgium, having played a part in each of their games en route to the semi-finals.
He made a 20-minute cameo appearance in the opening win over Australia but has played every minute of Frances campaign since, making an assist in the 4-3 success over Argentina in the first knockout round.
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