Didier Drogba: 5 Reasons Chelsea Should Bring Back the Striker

Rumors have been circulating that Didier Drogba will be leaving Chelsea this summer. Whether or not those are true, Chelsea have been pretty clear that big changes are going to be made.

Will Drogba be a part of those changes? Or, will the Ivorian striker be left out of Andres Villas-Boas' plans? It's tough to say for sure, but Chelsea have been rumored to signing him to a one year deal.

Some people do not like Drogba (opposing fans especially) for his play, antics and diving. Still, I have compiled a list of five reasons Chelsea should keep the star striker. Feel free to let me know what you think!

Dangerous from Anywhere

Didier Drogba can score from just about anywhere. Shown in this clip, Drogba is not afraid to shoot from anywhere and put it in the back of the net.

Good finishers are dangerous. However, when you have to be wary of a striker launching a screamer from 25-plus yards, you are in trouble. Drogba constantly keeps defenses on their toes and he makes them pay as soon as they lose focus.

Chelsea have a plethora of striking options. However, they do not have someone with near the range that Drogba has.

Unmatched Strength and Pace

Although many people complain about Didier Drogba's diving habits, he is an incredibly strong player. He can win the ball off defenders, and he can constantly put pressure on center backs.

As for his pace, Drogba is world-class. Once he gets a head of steam, no one can stand in his way. Drogba likes to play direct. When he starts dribbling at defenders, he has the blow-by speed to leave them in the dust.

Drogba isn't known for fancy foot skills, but he uses his upper body strength to keep his balance (and the ball). This is an underrated part of his game, but Drogba has used his strength to become one of the best goal-scorers of the past seven years.

He Is a Clutch Player

Didier Drogba is a clutch player. He has a knack for scoring goals when it matters most, and it is always fun to watch him operate late in games.

Many teams are nervous when Drogba is on the ball, and they should be. He has proven, time and again, that he is a goal-scoring force. Given his range, no lead is safe against Chelsea. Drogba has scored extremely important goals for Chelsea, and the Blues could use (at least) another year of his magic.

When the match is on the line, you need to trust the players on the pitch. I know what Drogba is capable of, and I always feel like he can pull a goal out of thin air. Maybe that's the bias of a fan. Still, the man can score goals when it matters. And clutch goal-scoring is how a club wins titles.

Free-Kick Prowess

Didier Drogba is one of the best free-kick takers in the world. Without a doubt, goalkeepers get nervous when he steps behind a set piece.

For good reason.

Whenever the ball is within range, Drogba immediately starts to line up his free kick. Whether it has curve, accuracy or sheer power, Drogba will almost always put on a good strike.

Unfortunately, this could be the reason Drogba likes to take dives.

Still, after a foul is called, Drogba is happy to take advantage by putting a free kick on frame.

Whenever you can score a goal in open play, it's great. However, goals from set pieces have more buildup, and it can be demoralizing to the team that concedes.

Accordingly, it would be in Chelsea's best interest to keep one of the most dangerous free-kick takers in the world.

He Frustrates Opponents

Whether it's faking an injury, taking a dive or scoring a clutch goal, Didier Drogba knows exactly how to frustrate his opponents. He can get inside their heads and he can take them out of their game.

Obviously, the best players do not let antics bother them. However, many players let Drogba distract them, which allows Chelsea to gain an advantage. He is a tremendous talent. Accordingly, he can frustrate opponents both with his antics and (more importantly) his play.

When playing an opponent, it is a huge advantage if you can psyche them out of their own game. Drogba has that ability. By keeping him, Chelsea maintain a huge psychological advantage over their Premier League opponents.

Drogba is a fantastic player. Chelsea would be foolish to get rid of him while he is still in his prime.