Is Gignac France’s best player?

By: Dave Trotter | October 14th, 2009

gignac In the last few months, the name Andre-Pierre Gignac has started to make the rounds in international football discussions. The Toulouse striker, who up till now had been a relative unknown, seems to have found a regular spot on France’s starting eleven.

Still, with three goals against the Faroe Islands (and yes, I understand they are only the Faroe Islands), has Gignac shown that he is the best player for the French National Team?

In the last three years, Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema have been battling for the “who is the best footballer in France” title. And both have made impressive cases. Ribery had an amazing 2006 World Cup which introduced the midfielder to the world, while Benzema did a great job at Lyon while being less than impressive for the men’s national team.

But why is Gignac better?

There are a number of reason. First and foremost, I would have to say his commitment his teams (Toulouse and France) has been unquestionably strong. In recent weeks we have seen rifts between coach and team which has brought a lot of drama. We also have players like Benzema and Malouda showing that they are less than enthusiastic about playing for France.

On the other hand, Gignac has shown the work ethic on the field that we should expect from a French player at the highest level of play. Unlike most of the players for Les Blues now, Gignac shows his hustle in every game. In Saturday’s game against the Faroe Islands, not only did Gignac score two goals, he created a number of opportunities as well.

Along with his commitment to the game, Gignac has also shown that he is amongst the best ball handlers as well. Last year with Toulouse, as well as this year with the French national team, Gignac’s goals came from really tight spots which would be impossible for the average player to get out of. His 6′1, 191 pound physique gives him the upper advantage when battling for the ball. Whereas many of the French players have to rely on speed to create their own play, Gignac can do it with a combination of both speed and grit.

Another plus that the French striker has is his ability to work anywhere on the pitch. When Gignac started playing with Lorient a few years ago, he was a right-foot only scorer. And while he still could score, his play was a little more predictable. Last year, he started working on his left-foot. Since then, they goals have been flying for Gignac. While most of his goals still come from the right foot, he uses the left foot much more, giving him the unpredictability a player needs at this level of play. He now seems to be just as natural on the left side of the pitch (in fact for Toulouse even more so on the left) as he does in the center or right side.

And finally, he brings no drama. On a team where players always seem to be saying something stupid to the press, Gignac pretty much keeps to himself. Like Jeremy Toulalan, he doesn’t like to rock the boat and doesn’t like to cause trouble. Maybe that is why Gignac is finding himself on the French squad with regularity, because he goes out there…plays the game…does his best…then goes home.

So, could people say that Ribery and Benzema are the best French players? I guess. But Gignac not only possesses the skill, speed and strength that a player needs to be successful at this level, but he also has the heart, committment and passion to continue his strong play.

Therefore, the answer is yes, Andre-Pierre Gignac is the best player in France.