Jamie Redknapp: Chelsea FC look far more dangerous with 31-year-old

Liverpool FC legend Jamie Redknapp Photo: Sky One

Jamie Redknapp believes Chelsea FC are a far more dangerous proposition with Olivier Giroud.

The Blues are sitting at the top of the Premier League table following five successive victories to start the new season.

Giroud has only started one game in the current campaign but has come off the bench on three occasions to contribute to their winning start.

The France international has made three assists in four appearances in the Premier League to help Maurizio Sarri make a positive impression.

Giroud made two assists in a 4-1 victory over Cardiff City to help Sarri’s men maintain their perfect start to the new season.

The 31-year-old moved to Chelsea FC in a £21m deal from Arsenal in the January transfer window following a lengthy spell at The Emirates.

Former Liverpool FC captain Redknapp is adamant that the Blues look much better with Giroud in the side.

“Eden Hazard will rightly get all the plaudits for his hat-trick against Cardiff, but playing alongside Olivier Giroud is bringing the best from him,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.

“Giroud is the focal point Chelsea have been searching for since Diego Costa returned to Atletico Madrid.

“When Hazard passes to him, it is as if he is playing the ball to himself off a wall. Giroud pins defenders, holds up the ball and can deftly play it back to the runner. With Giroud in the team, Chelsea look a far more dangerous prospect.”

Chelsea FC have eased to victories over Huddersfield Town, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Cardiff City in the Premier League so far.

The Blues haven’t won the Champions League since 2012 and the west London side finished in fifth spot last term to secure their demotion to the Europa League.

MORE: Latest Chelsea news and views

MORE: Football transfer rumours and gossip