Who will fill-in the boots of Drogba?

Didier Drogba, the Blues Legend who played for Chelsea for 8 long years, made way for Chinese club, Shanghai Shenhua during the summer transfer on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Drogba became infamous for his career with Chelsea. The Ivory Coast international, who is also the captain and top scorer for his country joined his former Chelsea mate and French striker, Nicolas Anelka at his new club. Drogba scored more goals for Chelsea than any other foreign player, and he is even the fourth highest all time goal scorers for Chelsea. Also known for his ball possession skills, physical strength and scoring through headers, Drogba scored over 150 goals for Chelsea. He has surely left a void at Stamford Bridge, and thus will be heavily missed at the Blue’s stadium.

However, time has swept away memories at Stamford Bridge, as the shirt number 11, which was in possession of the Black Panther, Drogba since 2006, has even changed hands. It was believed that Chelsea would pay a tribute to the Ivorian international for his elongated eight year stay with the Blues, and take the step to retire the No.11 shirt after Drogba’s exit from Stamford Bridge. But with No. 11 shirt changing hands from Drogba to the new signing Oscar, it seems Chelsea are highly focused towards the future only.

Oscar has been handed a daunting task after being awarded with the number 11. The Brazilian however, has established himself during his time at the Olympic Games in the English condition. His performance at the ongoing Olympics has shown that he possesses heaps of potential and has accustomed to the new playing conditions. The fans and the team management of Chelsea would be hoping Oscar to write his name into the chronicles of Blues’ history in the coming years. Can Oscar display his skills and score goals and finally occupy a place in the hearts of the millions of Chelsea fans and fill in the void being created by Drogba’s departure? Only time will say.

Though Chelsea have the last season flop in the name of Fernando Torres and new signing Eden Hazard as their main strike power, it is hard for anyone to take the spot which only deserved to Drogba. The Blues also have another new signing in their midfield, the German, Marco Marin who made a move from Bremen to Stamford Bridge for a £7million transfer fee.

Fernando Torres however had an abysmal performance last season as he scored only 12 goals in 67 appearances. A player of his caliber with such a dismal run going into the new season will surely be worrying signs for the club. With people expecting a lot from the new signing Eden Hazard, who is believed to be the best summer transfer so far, one can only hope that he delivers. He has a good eye for goal. Last season, this attacking Belgian midfielder scored 22 goals for his side, and is thus expected to fill in the boots of Didier Drogba like the any other new signings.

Whatever happens, it will take time for the Chelsea fans to forget what Drogba has done for the Blues. With Chelsea looking for a complete new revolution after both Drogba and Kalou left Stamford Bridge, it will be a daunting task ahead for the new kids who have just arrived at their new club. Drogba’s transfer was very big for Chelsea as the experience and agility of Ivorian will be unquestionably missed. Only time can answer which of these current squad players will fill in the boots of Drogba.