Like fine wines that improve with age it appears the advancing years only seem to increase Didier Drogba’s already bulging talents.
When fit and on form the Ivorian is devastatingly unplayable and his revelations that he has played the past few years effectively half-fit with a persistent hernia problem makes his past achievements – which include 37 goals last season alone – even more remarkable.
Drogba demonstrated just how fit he now is by bursting through the admittedly pitiful West Brom defence almost at will to open the campaign with a hat-trick in a 6-0 romp – not a bad way to follow up last May’s title clinching 8-0 win over Wigan. It showed everyone why the side are Premier League favourites.
When Chelsea cut loose like they have in their past two home games they are simply fantastic to watch. Free flowing, pacy, strong, ruthless and effective, you can throw as many superlatives as you like and it still wouldn’t be enough – and Drogba is at the heart of that. He will certainly play a crucial role in helping the side justify their Champions League betting odds.
Stories linking the 32-year-old with a move to Real Madrid seem like mischief making as his showing on Saturday proves he still has a lot to offer both Chelsea and the Premier League.
Thankfully he doesn’t rely on is pace so his advancing year’s and the inevitable slowing of the legs shouldn’t adversely affect his game. His declaration that he can play at the top for five more years is not that fanciful when you look at the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs at Manchester United, who continue to play at the highest level despite being in their late 30s.
If Drogba does the same then West Brom won’t be the last club to be left battered, shattered and bruised by the Ivorian’s brilliance.
Blue is the colour
