How LAFC could line up with Olivier Giroud
- Oliver Giroud is set to sign for LAFC on a free transfer from AC Milan
- The France international fills a huge need for Steve Cherundolo's side
- The former Chelsea and Arsenal striker could play in an isolated role up front as well as a striker partnership
Olivier Giroud is all set to join LAFC this summer on a free transfer from Serie A giants AC Milan, meaning head coach Steve Cherundolo will be able to tinker with his lineups with his new starting striker.
The 37-year-old France international appears to have called it quits on his time in Europe as he reportedly put pen to paper on a deal with the Los Angeles-based club on a deal through the 2025 MLS campaign.
While Giroud is your typical out-and-out striker, LAFC still have a couple of options in how they can deploy the veteran goalscorer in their bid to lift trophies at the end of the year.
Here's how the Black and Gold could lineup with Giroud in the side.
Giroud as a lone striker
This is without a doubt where we'll see Giroud line up more often than not. With LAFC's electric wide players in Denis Bouanga, David Martinez and Cristian Olivera speeding down the wings, Giroud will be served up numerous chances front and center for the Black and Gold in Cherundolo's 4-3-3 setup.
While Giroud's position probably won't change up front by himself, Cherundolo could tweak the front line by swapping Bouanga over to the right, bringing Tomas Angel on to the left-wing role, or by giving Martinez a start at right-wing with Bouanga on the opposite side.
Potential lineups
- Bouanga - Giroud - Olivera (4-3-3)
- Bouanga - Giroud - Martinez (4-3-3)
- Angel - Giroud - Bouanga (4-3-3)
Giroud in a strike partnership
Cherundolo typically sticks to his guns with his preferred 4-3-3 system no matter the opponent or competition. However, injuries are a part of the game unfortunately and that could force his hand into a formation change if certain key players are unavailable for selection.
If Cherundolo doesn't have many wide players fit for selection, he could opt for a 4-4-2 formation that still gives his team plenty of balance going forward and at the back. Not only could Giroud form a strike partnership with Tomas Angel, but he could also take the field alongside Bouanga, who's one of the league's most lethal finishers, or MLS icon Kei Kamara.
Potential lineups
- Angel - Giroud (4-4-2)
- Bouanga - Giroud (4-4-2)
- Kamara - Giroud (4-4-2)