## Olivier Giroud's Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Data from AC Milan: An Analysis of His Passing Efficiency
Beyond his aerial prowess and goal-scoring instincts, **Olivier Giroud** has revealed himself as a surprisingly effective playmaker during his tenure at AC Milan. While known primarily for holding up the ball and winning flick-ons, deeper statistical analysis using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) highlights a crucial facet of his game: **exceptional passing efficiency** that significantly enhances Milan's buildup play. This article dissects those illuminating numbers.
1. **High Overall Pass Completion Rate: Reliability Under Pressure**
Consistently matching or exceeding the club average for forwards, Giroud typically boasts a pass completion rate in the high 70s or low 80s percentage range across league matches. More impressively, this holds true even when facing intense pressing from opponents deep in their own half. He rarely gives possession away cheaply, acting as a secure outlet for teammates under pressure – a vital function for progressing from defensive transitions. His ability to retain possession with simple, effective passes stabilizes attacks.
2. **Progressive Passing & Terrain Gained: Advancing the Ball Meaningfully**
It's not just *quantity* but *quality* that stands out. A key KPI is the volume of "progressive passes" (defined as balls moving visibly forward towards goal). Analytics often show Giroud ranking among the top contributors in this category within the squad. Furthermore, metrics tracking "terrain gained per pass" frequently credit him highly. Each completed pass results in significant metronome-like advance upfield, consistently shifting the attack into promising positions. He links midfield and forward lines expertly.
3. **Accuracy on Lateral & Vertical Switches: Breaking Lines**
Giroud excels at both:
* **Horizontal Ball Movement:** Quick, sharp passes sideways to drag defenders out of position, creating space for dribblers like Leão or Pulisic.
* **Vertical Penetration:** Astutely identifying moments to chip balls over the top for speedy wingers to chase, bypassing crowded areas. His accuracy on these riskier long balls is notably good for a target man type.
4. **Efficiency as a Decoy & Link-Up Player**
Opposition defences inevitably focus heavily on him. Instead of becoming isolated, he uses this attention intelligently. By dropping slightly deeper to receive possession just outside the penalty area, surrounded by markers, he becomes an incredibly efficient distribution hub. From here, his quick releases – often fed by skilled playmakers like Díaz or Reijnders arriving late into pockets of space – frequently unlock defences with perfectly weighted through balls or lay-offs. His role as the central reference point makes every other attacker better through his smart passing.
**Conclusion:** Far from being merely a traditional No.9, Olivier Giroud’s KPI data from AC Milan reveals him as a highly efficient passer who actively participates in building attacks from deep phases. His reliability under pressure, ability to make progressive passes that gain territory, accuracy switching play laterally and vertically, and crucial role as a decoy enabling teammates, transform him into far more than just a poacher; he's an indispensable link man whose passing intelligence significantly elevates Milan's offensive fluidity. These numbers tell the story of a technically gifted and intelligent modern striker.
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