France coach Didier Deschamps has heralded Olivier Giroud for dusting off his Arsenal cobwebs and playing a key role in Les Bleus' 3-2 win over the Netherlands on Friday.
The 29-year-old striker put his goal-shy form for the Gunners to one side by impressing in last night's friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA, scoring the second goal.
"Giroud has had a difficult period with his club. But he's continued the good form he's shown for us in previous games. I think he was very useful in the game as offensive support," Deschamps told reporters.
"He has a great understanding with the midfield players, especially with the more attack-minded of them. In particular with Dimitri [Payet] and Antoine [Griezmann] in the first half."
The Frenchman enjoyed a goal-laden first half of the season in North London, netting 15 goals in all competitions, but his form has since tailed off and he has netted just twice in the Premier League since January.
Shane Callaghan
