Chelsea: Olivier Giroud’s rebirth warrants a contract extension

It’s time for an extension for Olivier Giroud as he has experienced his second rebirth in the Chelsea team and is once again proving his value.

Olivier Giroud has once again broken through the glass ceiling that has on two major occasions kept him from getting the minutes he deserves and the team requires at center forward. He has recently experienced his second rebirth at the club, once again being put into the team by manager Frank Lampard after previously only securing a few and essentially mop-up minutes. His quad against Sevilla and then a follow-up goal against a tough Leeds squad should have finally dispelled any doubts about Giroud’s qualifications to lead the line as a starter, and often.

The 34-year-old Giroud has again seemingly found the fountain of youth as he belies any and all suggestions that his days as a top Premier League and international striker for the French national team are nearing an end. Giroud’s recent heroics should result quickly in one thing, a contract extension for this great player of at least one or even better, two years. Does anyone really doubt that he will continue to perform as well, or who knows, maybe even better than he is now if he is managed correctly? After all, he seemingly continues to improve from year to year rather than declining at all.

In tremendous condition and fit, Giroud if anything is playing better than ever. To quote an old aphorism, “Aging is a matter of mind. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” To Giroud and one of his teammates it evidently doesn’t matter. At all. That would be the great champion and member of the Brazil national team, the age-defying and still tremendous central defender, Thiago Silva. Silva has shown that even at 35 years old, he can not only contribute but dominate when his minutes are managed prudently.

So can Giroud and others (can anyone think Lionel Messi?), as well. Chelsea, as their fans are well-aware, reportedly has a policy of no contract extensions of over one-year to players 30 years old or older. That supposedly didn’t constrain them from offering former star Willian a two-year deal though he was in fact over that arbitrary age threshold. So, evidently, it matters until it doesn’t matter. Whatever.

The moral of the story, however, is that age impacts certain players differently than others. It’s just a fact of nature. Players who keep themselves in tip-top condition would certainly seem to have a much better likelihood of playing well into their thirties than those who spend too much time out on the town. Giroud and Silva seem to fit the former mold. And that may be predicated on a single fact, they love to play the game maybe more than anything else they could be doing. And it shows.

It is said there are exceptions to every rule if there even has to be an age-related rule or policy or predisposition at all. Both these players, Silva and Giroud are exceptions. It has been argued here that a Silva extension should be a no-brainer. It says here that the same should be offered to Giroud. An extension would once-again put to rest the constant drum-beating in the media about Inter, Spurs, West Ham, or any of a plethora of other clubs seeking to sign the brilliant French winner away from the Blues. At least for a time.

Here’s hoping that happens soon. Here’s also hoping that gaffer Lampard has been convinced, once again and hopefully finally, of the outstanding contribution Giroud makes to his squad every time he is on the pitch. But it is clear when he starts and can get into the flow of the game more readily, he’s simply unstoppable. His experience, craftiness, and ability to just get to crosses and other passes, select the right means of shooting and send them goal-ward are amazing.

So it asks here, Chelsea, please retain the services of Olivier Giroud for another two years and the same for Thiago Silva. Keep these distinguished and exceptional veteran professionals in blue. They are sterling examples for younger players, great clubhouse presences, and world-class talents. Remember, age is just a state of mind and if it doesn’t matter to the club, it doesn’t matter at all.