The Comparison of Two Number 9’s
The Arsenal scout seems to have a chip on the French internationals. Then Thierry Henry followed by Olivier Giroud and now Lacazette. Not necessarily but certainly have the Gunners found a liking in French talent. The feelings have always been mutual, though; France has been benefited in a parallel manner with this players coming and training under one of the best clubs of all time.
Lacazette, who was brought in from Lyon for his undeniably excellent goal-scoring abilities has left no stones unturned in pleasing the Gunners simultaneously making a name for himself in French nationals. With the French football going on a revolutionary run of establishing the most promising talent, they have Olivier Giroud on the verge of retirement, EURO 2020 probably being his last competitive encounter.
Now, with Giroud about to go, who can fill in the shoes of France’s most adored forward? Can it be Antoine Griezmann or will it be the uprising MBAPPE? Nah, both are typically, physically and technically different from the skills and ability that Giroud possess.
If there is someone who can negate the absence of Giroud – it will be our robust and physically built, almost similar to Giroud; Alexandre Lacazette.
The 26-year-old is in his prime and with many more years to come, he will certainly develop better under Unai Emery; an unwanted perk for France. The runners-up of EURO CUP 2016 who lost to Portugal will surely have an eye on 2020 EURO CUP but will have a much more focus on retaining the World title in 2022 for which they will be out of Giroud’s services.
What the former Gunner has done for France is far from irreplaceable but to fill in his shoe, Lacazette is the most ideal candidate, let me get deep here;
Similar Attributes
Why was the French team so successful in the World Cup? Because they had one of the most underrated/unselfish forward in Giroud who made the game for Mbappe and Griezmann to finish with.
Just like Giroud, Lacazette is also well built and has a physique capable of threatening opposition’s defence. Both are the man of big games capable of turning the game on their heads. They may not possess the pace but surely have a knack for scoring goals and are a threat from set pieces. Lacazette, though with his abilities has more to offer than only replace Olivie Giroud.
Lacazette in Attacking Third
While in the box, Laca is the most trustworthy; be it providing a perfect assist or a smashing goal, he will do that for you. As a striker you are seldom judged on assisting goals but nowadays as a Number 9 your job is way beyond only scoring.
When it comes to providing key passes, Lacazette out powers his senior with considerable ease, providing 1.7 passes per game as compared to Giroud’s 0.6. The right-footed forward is also good for the team who has Griezmann and Mbappe; both strong on left.
If Lacazette is to replace Giroud, he has plenty to offer. Be it the dribbles past opponents or pass accuracy, the former beats the latter in all aspects required in attacking third. Where Giroud does 0.1 dribbles a match, Lacazette is already done with 1.6. The only space Laca will have to work in if he fancies replacing the Golden boots of Giroud is winning the aerial duels, which he will be rested upon after Giroud gone.
Valuable even when not required
Apart from his responsibilities as a striker, Lacazette is also capable of making valuable interceptions and initiating counter attacks. His tackles in the midfield area help his team to get a hold on opposition’s defence and also provides themselves with a better chance to score.
The Frenchman does put a pressure high-up on the pitch vying to win the ball from opposition. All things considered, Lacazette if fills in the missing gap in himself will be donning the Blue shirt of France as good as he has been Gunning in the Red.
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