Olivier Giroud says Christian Pulisic once gave him the same feeling Eden Hazard did at Chelsea. The former France striker pointed to Pulisic’s dribbling and direct running after the United States winger starred in a 4-1 win over Paraguay.
Giroud and Pulisic spent two seasons together at Chelsea before the 2020-21 campaign ended, and the Frenchman said the American’s ability to glide past defenders stood out quickly. Speaking to BBC Sport, Giroud said Pulisic “reminded me of Eden Hazard, with the way he took on opponents and found it easy to dribble past people.”
Pulisic’s role in the U.S. attack
Giroud also explained why Pulisic fit so well around him. As a target man, he needed movement and pace nearby, and he said Pulisic offered that by operating in the pocket between the lines, finding the ball and linking play.
“I played as a target man and I needed some pace and movement around me — someone like [Pulisic] playing in the pocket between the lines and getting on the ball, looking for me and feeding off my flick-ons,” Giroud said.
Pulisic delivered a strong all-around display against Paraguay, setting up Folarin Balogun before leaving at halftime after a kick to the calf. United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said the change was precautionary.
Why Giroud believes the USA can lean on him
Giroud said he was not surprised by the performance and believes Pulisic has the quality to push the U.S. team to another level in the coming weeks. He added that the United States are fortunate to have a player with both skill and intelligence.
“I was not surprised at how well he played against Paraguay because I think that he has got what it takes to take the U.S. team to the next level over the next few weeks,” he said.
“I have always thought the USA are lucky to have him, because he has skill and intelligence,” Giroud added.
At AC Milan, Giroud said Pulisic earned the nickname “Captain America” because he was viewed as the team’s star player even without the national-team armband. Giroud also said that if the United States are to reach the knockout stage, Pulisic will be key.
The win over Paraguay was the United States’ largest World Cup margin since two 3-0 victories at the inaugural tournament in 1930. The co-hosts next face Australia and Türkiye in Group D.
