Michael Essien (R) and Didier Drogba (L)
Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has credited Michael Essien and Didier Drogba as two African footballers who have greatly influenced his career.
Essien and Drogba, teammates at Chelsea, enjoyed immense success together, winning domestic and European titles.
Reflecting on the African players who shaped his football journey and left a mark on the Premier League, the former Arsenal forward highlighted Drogba’s impact.
“There were loads! Growing up and being in Chelsea Academy, Michael Essien was a Ghanaian player at the time, but a big one would probably be Didier Drogba. He’s such an icon — a striker who left his footprint with Chelsea and in the Premier League,” he told NBC Sports.
Nketiah also spoke about the passion and energy Drogba brought to the game.
“The joy he played football with, the smile he used to have on his face, the way he used to celebrate — dancing with teammates — that left a real impression on me. That’s why I always try to celebrate my goals whenever I score and just have that joy in football because that’s why we play — to be able to smile and enjoy our work that we are blessed to be able to do every day,” he said.
So far this season, Nketiah has scored three goals in 23 appearances for Crystal Palace.
