During his career Didier Drogba has won a number of trophies (including multiple Premier Leagues and the European Champions League) as well as competing at the World and captaining the Ivory Coast. Drogba is a player that has played at the highest level for a number of years, mainly known for his spells at Chelsea, but he has also played for Galatasary, Marseille and Shanghai Shenhua. So what is he bringing to the MLS?
Presence Upfront
Over his career Drogba has been known for his presence upfront. He plays as the big striker at the top of the pitch which teams can hit the ball up to when needed, or play it into feet for him to hold the ball up and relay this to the other forwards. His big presence has also caused a range of problems at set pieces most notable his equalising header in the Champions League Final.
Player for the Big Game
This is a title that is regularly attributed to Drogba. Scoring in big games sucha as the English FA Cup final, Capital One Cup Final, Champions League Final and the Turkish Super Cup final. He was able to switch into a mode where he was able to rise above other players. Most notably at the English ground Wembley, where he scored 9 goals almost one in every cup final.
Experience
Drogba has played in a number of countries, France, England, China and Turkey as well as internationally captaining the Ivory Coast at the Afican Cup of Nations and the World Cup. This wealth of experience will majorly help Montreal Impact and allow him to know how to play each type of defender he comes up against.
Tactics
This may not always be an attribute associated with players (normally to coaches/managers). But Drogba has learnt from one of the best Jose Mourinho. During both his spells with the Portuguese boss he appeared to learn even more about how the game is played tactically. With his last season being called Mourinho's, "Mourinho on the pitch" (as he gave the tactical advice to all the other players). Something which he will no doubt continue at the Impact.
Overall Didier Drogba will bring a positive impact to Montreal and the MLS, but just how big this impact will be only time will tell...
Drogba is set to make his debut this weekend against Philadelphia Union tomorrow.
