DIDIER DROGBA
Pace allied to strength and aerial power made Didier the type of forward not seen at Stamford Bridge for quite a while on his arrival and the ingredients all came together to create a memorable 2006/7 season.
His 33 goals, containing many Goal of the Season contenders, made him Chelsea's highest scorer since Kerry Dixon in the 1984/85 season. His 20 in the league won the Premiership Golden Boot. His 60 games tally was the second highest appearances in a season in the club's history.
He delivered on the big occasions, scoring both goals in the 2-1 Carling Cup Final defeat over Arsenal, netting home and away against Barcelona, and becoming the first African to score in an FA Cup Final with his extra-time winner over Man United.
Didier was signed in the summer of 2004 from Marseille where he had been named France's Player of the Year. A reported fee of £24 million was paid.
Didier captained Ivory Coast in their maiden World Cup Finals in 2006 and as the African Player of the Year, he has become Chelsea's all-time highest scoring international. Last season he signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2010.
