Olivier Giroud has always been that kind of player who makes a difference wherever he goes. The guy just knows how to find the back of the net, especially when the stakes are high. But in MLS, things seem a bit off. I mean, one goal in nine games? For a name like his, that’s almost a cruel joke.
Is it all on him, though? The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) looks a little lost without its main star, Carlos Vela, on the field. And let’s be real, that’s not an excuse. Vela makes a huge impact, sure, but when you sign someone like Giroud, you expect him to be the backbone of the attack, the guy who steps up when it’s needed most. You don’t expect him to rely on another star to shine.
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The Frenchman came in with massive expectations, and so far, he’s not exactly delivering. So, is he struggling to adapt to MLS, or is there something else going on here?
Adapting to a new country and a new league is never easy, especially after you hit your 30s. Giroud is 37. We’re not talking about a young guy who’s got the legs to run for 90 minutes like it’s the last game of his life. MLS may not have the technical finesse of the Premier League or Serie A, but in terms of pace and intensity, it’s fast, it’s rough, and the schedule can get wild. Giroud is struggling to keep up with that rhythm.
He’s always been more of a positional, smart, and physical striker, not one for blistering speed. Playing the role of a target man has always been his thing. But in MLS, where a lot of teams play more vertically, banking on quick counters and fast movement, Giroud feels like he’s always a step behind. And in a league where every second counts, that’s a big problem.
The reality is, while Giroud is still getting used to the MLS pace, the clock is ticking, and the pressure’s building. Fans want goals, they want wins, and their patience won’t last forever.
Now, Giroud isn’t the only one to blame. The team around him isn’t exactly helping, either. Without Carlos Vela, the LAFC machine doesn’t run the same way. And Vela isn’t just a star player—he’s the creative engine of the team. The guy who delivers those perfect passes, right on the money. Without him, Giroud is struggling to find a partner who really gets his style and feeds him those sweet passes in the box.
It’s almost like trying to run a Ferrari on cheap gas. Giroud is an elite finisher, but if the ball doesn’t get to his feet or he has to drop too deep to even touch it, things get tricky. At Milan, he had guys like Rafael Leão beside him. But at LAFC, that perfectly timed pass, that smart play Giroud needs, is often missing.
Of course, Giroud has some adjusting to do as well. He’s got to figure out MLS's style, move more, and find those gaps in the defense. Just waiting for the ball to drop at his feet won’t cut it. But if the team doesn’t get its midfield together, Giroud’s adjustment might take longer than anyone expects.
Will Carlos Vela’s return change all that? All signs point to yes. If anyone can turn this LAFC attack around, it’s him. Vela is the type of player who makes everything look easier. He sets up the game, finds space, and leads by example.
With Vela back, Giroud could finally start getting those balls he needs. And when that happens, the goals will likely follow. But is that enough? The truth is, Giroud has to pull his own weight too. He’s got to be more dynamic, get more involved, and figure out how to fit into this faster, more physical MLS style. And yeah, even at 37, that’s something he can do.
Honestly, if Giroud doesn’t adjust soon, his American dream might turn into a nightmare. MLS, contrary to what many think, isn’t some retirement league for aging stars. The competition level is rising every year, and players who can’t adapt get left behind.
At the same time, it’s way too early to write Giroud off. He’s got talent, experience, and he’s proven time and time again that he can step up when it matters. It all comes down to how he reacts in the coming weeks, especially with Vela’s return. If he can get a grip on the MLS game and the team starts clicking, Giroud still has a shot at turning this story around.
Giroud’s at a crossroads. Either he adapts quickly and gets back to doing what he does best, or LAFC might start looking for someone else to lead the line.