Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that Olivier Giroud's physical and technical improvements this season have seen him develop into an "animal".
The French striker has emerged as one of the Gunners' most important players, netting 18 goals in all competitions despite missing three months through a foot injury.
Consequently, the 28-year-old has managed to silence some of his critics after a perceived lukewarm first two seasons in North London.
"Giroud has a fantastic body strength," Wenger told the club's official website. "Sometimes he became really aggressive when he was challenged, and you do not want him to be.
"Sometimes he needed to be challenged really physically to really become that animal he can be. But on the other hand, Giroud is a player who has improved tremendously technically.
"You take some pictures of Giroud when he arrived, and today he is a different player. If he can combine both, let's not forget this guy [weighs] 92kgs. When he walks on your feet, you feel it."
With 16 goals in his last 25 games, Wenger will call on Giroud to maintain his red-hot form when Premier League champions elect Chelsea arrive at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Shane Callaghan
