LEAGUES CUP 2024
When will Olivier Giroud make his debut for LAFC?
The French World Cup winner has been added to the Leagues Cup roster and handed the No. 9 jersey ahead of the Club Tijuana clash.
After months of speculation and weeks of waiting, Olivier Giroud may finally be about to take to the field for LAFC.
The veteran Frenchman announced in May that he would be swapping Milan for MLS at the end of the European season. Giroud was part of the French team that made it to the semi-finals of the European Championships earlier this month and he was expected to be given a considerable break before starting life in Los Angeles.
However it seems like Giroud’s summer vacation is over. He was listed in LAFC’s official roster for the Leagues Cup, given the No. 9 jersey for his new team. On Friday, ahead of LAFC’s opener against Club Tijuana, the club’s official social media channels shared a video of Giroud’s new jersey.
That post has set expectations high for Friday’s Tijuana clash. Giroud could well be included in the LAFC matchday squad for the first time and may make his debut in front of his new fans at BMO Stadium.
Will Olivier Giroud start for LAFC in Leagues Cup?
Even without Giroud - the French national team’s record scorer - LAFC have plenty of attacking talent in the roster. Reigning MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga has now hit 16 goals in 24 games this season as he looks to retain his crown, while Mateusz Bogusz has contributed a further 12.
However what Giroud offers, more than the goals, is elite level link-play that could help to get even more from LAFC’s forwards. Giroud’s physicality, intelligence and temperament make him the perfect facilitator for pacey players and head coach Steve Cherundolo will be eager to get him in the team as soon as possible.
“Olivier has a clear hunger to win, which he has done consistently throughout his club and international career,” LAFC general manager John Thorrington said. “His championship ambition and his qualities as a man and as a player directly align with ours as a club, therefore we believe Olivier will be a great addition as we continue in our pursuit of more trophies.”
Having only recently joined up with the team it’s unlikely that Giroud will feature from the start against TIjuana. But don’t be surprised if, as we saw with Lionel Messi last year, Olivier Giroud comes off the bench to make a starring first appearance for his new team in Leagues Cup.