Didier Drogba – the Marmite of football

Didier Drogba is now into his eighth season at Chelsea, and has become the “Marmite” of the footballing world. 

You can love him, or hate him, but when the striker is on top form, you can’t stop him. 

Last night Chelsea triumphed over European champions, FC Barcelona, in a tactically astute performance. The London club had to be patient when defending, thanks to the passing game of the Catalans, and then be clinical when going forward.

And that, indeed, they were, with Roberto Di Matteo’s side winning 1-0 thanks to Drogba’s goal just before half-time.

The striker’s all-round game was perfect, with the Ivorian helping to bring in his midfield with his hold-up play, whilst earning free-kicks to advance his team forward when they were under enormous amounts of pressure.

His goal capped off his performance; he thoroughly deserved the goal as well as the post-match plaudits of the media, despite throwing himself to the ground on several occasions in previous Didier Drogba style.

The striker has matured and come a long way since theatrics were a big part of his game, and has now lived up to the expectations of being one of the world’s best “powerful strikers”.

Perhaps his latest argument for such a title started at the beginning of the week when he netted a superb goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

His technique of controlling the ball, shrugging off the challenge of William Gallas, and firing a rocket with his “weaker” left-foot inside Carlo Cudicini’s near post was admirable, and really set the platform for Chelsea to win convincingly.

And, just three days later, the striker caps off the impressive week for his club by upstaging the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas.

There are few strikers in the world who can match a fully-fit Drogba, as the likes of David Villa, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie play the position so differently.

As aforementioned, Drogba’s game is all about power. And his strength, aerial ability and direct style have given him an impressive record of 154 goals in 270 appearances in Chelsea blue.

His accolades are also notable, winning three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, he has won the League Cup and Community Shield twice too.

And with this season reaching it’s climax, and Chelsea hitting form at just the right time, could those honours be added to with another FA Cup winner’s medal, along with a Champions League winner’s medal that a career like his perhaps deserves?

Derek Baker