Gary Cahill reckons that Diego Costa is finally emerging as the replacement for Didier Drogba, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of the club. Drogba took just over 110 games in order to reach a tally of 50 goals for Chelsea. Throughout his eight years with the club, the striker scored well over 150 goals but it took him more than 300 games in order to reach this figure. Costa is fast emerging as an even better goal scorer, as he has taken just 90-odd games in order to reach the 50 goal mark.
The Spaniard scored in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace during the weekend to take his league tally to 13 goals. He is now the top scorer in the division, and his goals were a major factor in the club winning the league title during the 2014-15 season. Cahill played alongside Drogba for a year or two before the striker left the club in his first spell. He watched the striker scored numerous goals, especially in the finals or semifinals, to help Chelsea win numerous honours. Cahill says that the presence of an influential forward is extremely vital for a team to function at the top level.
Costa has been so good that £33 million summer signing Michy Batshuayi has been unable to make even a single league start. “Didier was a huge figure goal-scoring wise and also with his personality on and off the pitch. You need strikers like that and Diego has fitted in nicely. Since he’s been at the club he’s scored goals but this season he’s on fire. Are the fans starting to love him like they loved Didier? Yes, of course, because he is banging goals in every week. He is winning us matches,” said the Chelsea defender after the win against Crystal Palace.