The Fans Football Blog3

author: Terry Venables
source: The Sun
date: 25 April 2009
editing: fcbtransfers.blogspot.com





Not many teams would have a hope in hell of getting a result against Barcelona in their own backyard. But then not many teams have a striker like Didier Drogba.

And he is one of the primary reasons I believe Chelsea can upset the odds when they face the Catalan giants in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp.

Barca are big favourites to draw first blood. No question about that. The Spaniards are top of La Liga and widely expected to march on Rome next month to add Europe’s top trophy to the domestic crown inevitably coming their way.

But Drogba’s recent rejuvenation gives Chelsea just cause for optimism — and that is something I did not expect to be saying earlier in the season. The Ivory Coast ace seemed unwilling to put in a shift under previous Blues boss Big Phil Scolari. Drogba displayed an unhealthy attitude and it was very sad to see.

Drogba has become a changed player under current caretaker Guus Hiddink. But the Dutchman cannot be credited with the star’s improvements in attitude and performance levels. Drog improved the second Scolari walked out of Chelsea for the last time. I cannot understand that from a supposedly professional player. So many people were relying on him. Supporters. Team-mates. It cannot be right and I do not approve at all.

Drogba is showing now what an outstanding player he is. Had he played like that under Scolari, they might have won the league. He’s probably the best striker in the Premier League right now. He intimidates the opposition before a ball has been kicked. Barcelona are hardly worried by anybody — but they will be scared of the Drog. They will be fretting over his heading, shooting and aggression. They might even be worried about him going over too easily to win free-kicks and penalties.

Drogba has a lot of ammo in his locker. Give him the ball, he will score. He is as good a lone striker as there is. With Drogba spearheading their charge, Chelsea can get at Barcelona. The only problem is, they must get the ball off them first.

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