Former Chelsea player, Joe Cole has said that Olivier Giroud is one of the most underrated players in the last five seasons of the English Premier League.

He said this while commenting on Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Rennes in the UEFA Champions League.

The former England international advised manager Frank Lampard to ensure that Giroud doesn’t exit the club in the January transfer window.

“It was a real open moment and Werner, again… It was a great header from Giroud, he’s got up but Werner, in this position, you would like him to be a little more clinical,” Cole told BT Sport.

“That is where the improvement will come with his game. But this header from Giroud was amazing.

“It is a big test for Frank now because Olivier Giroud, it’s special for him to play for France.

“He is a World Cup winner, and his manager’s told him he needs to play in January. Frank knows what a great lad he is and what a great servant he’s been to the club and how much he produces when he’s called upon.

“It is going to be one of those situations come January when you’re like do you let him go, or do what’s right for the club.

“It is a real tough decision Frank’s got to make because Giroud’s such a good professional and more importantly, such a good effective player for the club.

“I would love to see him stay because that won’t be the last time he bails Chelsea out off the bench.

“He is one of the most underrated players we have seen in the last five years in the Premier League.”