Drogba’s reputation is already secure and bringing him back makes sense
Ignore the jibes. Didier Drogba’s Chelsea return is another Jose Mourinho masterstroke and talk of the striker potentially ruining his reputation is nonsense.
Drogba’s legendary status is safe, no matter what happens during his second spell at the club.
He probably won’t play a tremendous amount, but the Ivorian’s presence and influence will provide a huge boost.
The Chelsea manager said earlier this year that Drogba, despite being 36, remains one of the best strikers in the world.
That claim appears a little generous. But what a back-up, what an inspiration to those around him and what a lift for the fans.
It’s easy to forget that the scorer of 157 Blues goals during eight years with Chelsea was once booed by some of those same fans.
When the media scrutiny surrounding his tendency to tumble over too easily reached its height during the 2005/06 season, a few dissenting voices started to make themselves heard.
When Drogba scored two goals against Manchester City in a 2-0 home win in March that season – one a controversial finish when he was accused of using his arm to bring the ball under control – the grumblings could be heard all around.
It was by no means anger, just gentle disquiet about the general histrionics and way Drogba was handling himself.
But he learned what was deemed acceptable in the Premier League and adjusted accordingly to become a true Stamford Bridge great.
The learning curve is what makes Drogba’s journey so special – culminating of course in that Champions League-winning penalty in Munich in 2012.
His return will surely further enhance that reputation, not damage it.
Mourinho’s squad looks strong in all areas after a busy and astute summer – but the attacking options seemed a little up in the air.
Drogba now provides the perfect back-up, and kick up the backside, to Diego Costa. And with Fernando Torres also around, and possibly Romelu Lukaku and Patrick Bamford too, there is the youth, experience, raw talent and quality not to risk repeating last season’s striker issues.
While misgivings about his advancing years and potential on-pitch contribution are understandable, Drogba’s ability to contribute should not be understated.
While at Galatasary, he showed the odd sign of the peak Chelsea model, but he mostly looked some way off the player who terrorised defences for nearly 10 years with a combination of pace, power, brute strength, aerial ability, and oodles of knowhow and class.
But the system didn’t suit, and failed to get the best of him. Often isolated when the Turks played quality teams, his relative lack of mobility was sometimes exposed. Mourinho will simply not make the same mistake and miscast his favourite centre-forward.
If ever there was a complete frontman it is Drogba. He is able to adapt his game to circumstances within a game and reads opponents so well.
Mourinho, just like he did when he first signed Drogba for £24m in 2004, has read the situation perfectly.
After a year in charge. he knows the importance of Drogba the player and Drogba the person for the group – especially given the departure of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.
When Mourinho first arrived Drogba soon followed. But before then his backroom staff were key; he desperately wanted a Chelsea man behind the scenes.
Steve Clarke was trusted with that role and it paid dividends in spectacular style. The Scot knew the club from all angles and knew English football.
In time maybe Drogba can fill both roles – but he’s not done as a player just yet.
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