Italian legend Gianfranco Zola has hailed AC Milan veteran Olivier Giroud.

Giroud has proved himself a key player since joining the Serie A champions last year.

Zola told Sportweek: “Intelligence and the ability to put himself at the service of the team. But he is one of those centre-forwards loved by his team-mates, trequartisti and second strikers, because he is very good at putting them in a position to play well and be dangerous.

“He is not a protagonist and can act as a backup for others. Hazard loved playing with him precisely because of his ability to play as a backup."

Zola also said of Giroud's qualities: “Very good at shooting, on the volley and from the spot. Before that he is very good at getting the space to do it."