Dimitri Payet says he still rates Olivier Giroud, even if he’s not getting the best run in the Arsenal side at the moment.

Payet insists that Giroud is still a good striker despite not making a single Premier League start this season and his lack of playing time shouldn’t effect his chance to get picked for France in the World Cup next year.

“We had the case, if I remember correctly, with Raphaël Varane who, at his Real Madrid debut, was with us while he did not have a lot of club time,” Payet said, reports Planete Foot.

“When you play in the biggest teams, even without a lot of playing time, you progress in the experience. Olivier is still efficient when he comes back in selection. Why not trust him anymore?”

Giroud has only found the back of the net once in the Premier League this season – against Leicester during the opening game of the season.

The 31-year-old has also scored twice in the Europa League but one of those was a penalty – his 100th goal for Arsenal.

Last year, the striker was super-sub of the season after netting seven goals from coming off the bench. However, it seems the big guy has lost his touch this term.

With under two years left on his current deal, you have to wonder whether he’ll stay in north London for much longer. However, I do agree with Payet when he says that Giroud’s lack of game time shouldn’t effect Didier Deschamps’ decision to take him to the World Cup in Russia. He’s got valuable experience.

Giroud still has 69 caps and 29 goals for France under his belt – the latest of which came against Wales in a friendly clash on Friday. He’s proven he’s still capable, if not for club then for country. Of course he should get picked.