Spurs fans will know Didier Drogba all too well from his playing days at Chelsea, where he was often a thorn in Spurs side. That said, Juande Ramos’ side were able to beat his Chelsea side in the 2008 League Cup final, despite Drogba bagging yet another goal in a final.
In fairness, Drogba’s favourite opponent was Arsenal, scoring more goals against them than any other side. So, perhaps not all so bad.
Anyway, in a recent interview for EAFC, when along side fellow retired players Kaka and Alessandro Del Piero, Heung Min-Son became the topic of discussion. Kaka was quick to praise the Spurs skipper, and praised him for staying “at a big club like Tottenham.” Drogba also had praise, but in a backhanded way.
The 46-year old said: “I think the only problem with him is that he is playing for Tottenham.” He would continue, saying “But apart from that, he’s a great player, he’s become a great leader for the national team and Tottenham.
It’s good to see him play the way he does because he’s so genuine, like the way he carries himself on the pitch – I like it.”
Still, the ballon d’or winner in the conversation called Spurs a big club, in the same week another ballon d'or winner said he is a fan of the club. Son has been at Spurs for so long that he joined the club the same summer that Drogba left Chelsea (for good). It is a shame they couldn’t come up against each other.
Of course, Drogba will look back on his time at Chelsea, and his battles against Spurs – very fondly. He was a big part in the most successful period of Chelsea’s history, which of course, completely coincided with the oil money backing, provided by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
The striker was not part of the previous eras of Chelsea football club, that saw 13 trophies won in 100 years. There is no doubt at all that he is an iconic figure in football, known for his big goals in big games. He was of course very complimentary of Son, even if he was still unable to let go of the rivalry with Spurs a decade on.
Looking at it from a balanced point of view, you do wonder how successful Son would have been, and how he would be looked at - had he played for a side that consistently won trophies. Luckily, that will always be a what if.
Despite these comments from Drogba and Kaka, it still feels like the skipper is a bit underrated in the wider footballing world, mostly for the reasons listed above. It is good to see him finally getting his external flowers.