Didier Deschamps hails Olivier Giroud’s mental strength ahead of France’s World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg.

Deschamps reiterated his confidence in Giroud’s ability during his press conference ahead of France’s World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg on Sunday night.

“Why is he resisting everything? It’s because I have confidence in him and I make him play,” Deschamps said.

“He has this character and even when he is in trouble in his club, he does not let go, it is his mental strength, even if he has a reduced playing time, he can be effective and with us he is very he’s our top scorer and he’s also one of the top French scorers.”

The France manager has spoken out in favour of the 30-year-old more than once in the past as the striker divides opinion in his native country. Mostly because he’s replaced Real Madrid star, Karim Benzema, in the main XI in recent years and the fans disagree with the decision, despite Giroud’s stats speaking for themselves.

Les Bleues’ fans even booed Giroud off the pitch during France’s clash with Serbia in 2015.

It’s good to see that his national team manager at least has his back.

Giroud’s scored 27 goals in 64 appearances for his country, compared to Benzema’s 27 in 78.

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France’s forward Antoine Griezmann (R) celebrates after scoring a goal with France’s forward Olivier Giroud during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match France vs Netherlands at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 31, 2017. (CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)

While Big Sexy can be quite one-dimensional in his style of play, he knows where the goal is and has proven time and time again that he’s a brilliant striker when getting the right service. Not just for France but for Arsenal too.

After making just 11 starts in the Premier League last season, Giroud was linked with a move away from north London this summer. However, the big guy decided to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal, which backs up exactly what Deschamps says about his character.