While Didier Drogba continues to set Major League Soccer alight with stellar performances that Chelsea fans have become accustom to over the years, his former club remain in the doldrums and look a shadow of the team that dominated the Premier League last season.
The stark contrast in fortunes for the two is alarming, and although many expected Drogba to be a big hit with the Montreal Impact, there is a growing section of Chelsea fans who believe letting the Ivorian leave Stamford Bridge in the summer was a mistake.
The supporters will always share a strong affinity with a player who made such a big impact at Chelsea during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, but although there always comes a time when players have to move onto pastures new to allow the next wave of stars to arrive through the doors, Drogba could be the one that got away for Jose Mourinho.
Drogba was always aware that he would not be first choice at Chelsea, with Diego Costa taking to the Premier League like a duck to water following his move from La Liga side Atletico Madrid. Enjoying one last hurrah to cap what has been a glorious career was the least that Drogba deserved, and although some may argue that his move to America was primarily fuelled by money, the striker just wants to play football as it gives him happiness.
However, with Chelsea’s odds of winning the Premier League title with bookmakers have significantly lengthened following a hugely disappointing start which has left Mourinho’s side languishing in 12th; some may argue that the club could do with Drogba’s experience, nous and know-how to rejuvenate the team, lift their spirits and improve their odds of success on Betway.
As Chelsea’s current striking options have produced just two league goals between them so far this season, it is a world away from the nine goals in as many games that Drogba has managed playing in Major League Soccer. Having someone of his quality as an option when things are not going well is something that Mourinho would probably die for now; Drogba’s undoubted strength and physical presence would trouble any Premier League defence, with his shooting and heading ability meaning that the Ivorian can more than make up for his diminishing pace.
Scoring a perfect hat-trick on his first start for Montreal Impact was unquestionably a reminder of what Drogba, at the age of the 36, can still produce. He single-handedly turned the game in the Canadians’ favour in their mammoth tussle with the Chicago Fire, with Drogba’s goals not only setting a league record for most goals scored on full debut, but also allowed Montreal to run out 4-3 winners in a result that kick-started their Play-Off hopes.
Chelsea’s problems run much deeper than misfiring strikers, but what they would give to have their former striker in red-hot form back in London.