Olivier Giroud Welcomes Timo Werner Challenge at Chelsea

Timo Werner is many things, but he's no Olivier Giroud.

There may be a widespread assumption that Frank Lampard's new £50m striker will be the starting number nine when next week's season opener with Brighton rolls around, but Giroud - having finished 2019/20 on fire - isn't giving his spot up without a fight.

Speaking to French outlet Telefoot about Werner's arrival at Stamford Bridge, the 33-year-old, who extended his Chelsea contract until 2021 in May, believes his attributes are distinct enough from the German's to give him a chance of retaining a starting spot.

"I haven't spoken to Lampard," he said. "One thing is certain: the competition [in the squad] will pull us all to the top. A great club should have different options in each position.

"We want to be in the race for the title and I'm here. I finished the season well and I proved to the manager that he can count on me.

"Werner is not the same profile as me, I hope to have some playing time."

Tammy Abraham will also come into the equation, meaning Lampard, who typically plays with one main striker, has three proven options to choose from to lead the line. Having started last season as Abraham's deputy, the experienced Giroud proved his worth towards the end of the campaign, and scored seven goals in 11 appearances post-lockdown.

Abraham was consigned to the bench with increasing frequency as the season went on, and just three of his 18 goals came in 2020. But he will be keen to rediscover the form that saw him lead the charge for the Golden Boot early on, and work his way into Gareth Southgate's plans for next summer's European Championships.

Werner, however, is favourite to start for a reason. 34 reasons, in fact - he netted 34 goals in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig last season, and is already being selected for FPL teams all over the country ahead of next week's curtain-raiser.