By Kent Mensah
Of the teams in the Premier League that seem to have perfected a blend of African and European players to find a solid balance, the most notable example is Chelsea.
Therefore, it becomes worrying, especially to African admirers of the Blues, that the arrival of new manager Andre Villas-Boas could mean there is a chance that their representatives at Stamford Bridge will hardly be seen on the pitch.
Chelsea boast the services of four African players who rank among the creme de la creme of the continent, and have made a lasting impression in the English top flight.
Veteran Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba is the talisman of the London club. Ghana ace Michael Essien, currently ruled out for six months due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season, has been their heartbeat in the middle of the pitch. Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel offers his services as and when necessary, while Drogba’s international team-mate, Salomon Kalou, has been around with some important assists and notable winning goals throughout the last few years.
Essien and Drogba have been extremely instrumental to the former English champions over the years, culminating in their awards of Player of the Season in 2007 and 2010 respectively.
The African quartet have been there to win for Chelsea and it would be suicidal to wean them off the team’s register in the new term, a situation Villas-Boas has hinted will not be the case. The Portuguese has been around Stamford Bridge for some time in various capacities, and he therefore knows the capabilities of the four Africans, hence his recent description of Essien’s long lay-off as a ‘big blow’.
Aside from the Ghanaian, the African stars arrived in Malaysia with Chelsea for their pre-season build-up. Despite their presence, some still fear that the responsibilities of their idols will be reduced drastically compared to the days of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.
Goal.com engaged its Ivory Coast and Nigeria experts, Kingsley Kobo and Lolade Adewuyi, on the issue and both concurred that it would be dangerous for the former Porto coach to embark on a new season without Drogba, Kalou and Mikel.
 Read more on Didier Drogba |
Current Form: Inconsistent |
Kingsley Kobo: “Chelsea cannot do without Drogba for now. Fernando Torres has yet to find his feet at Stamford Bridge. [Nicolas] Anelka is not as talismanic as Drogba, so if the Blues really want to go far in this new season, Drogba is one to count on.
“Drogba, as well as the entire team, didn’t live up to expectations last season, unlike in the previous campaign. I feel he will strive to push the Blues to somewhere good this season.
“I can’t see Chelsea’s typical line-up without Drogba. That would be a big surprise. Even if Villas-Boas attempts it, it’s going to be a big risk. If it works out then he’d be cherished, but if it fails the fans will turn on him.”
 Read more on Mikel Obi |
Current Form: Average |
Lolade Adewuyi: “Last season, Chelsea showed that they could play without Mikel, combining Essien with Ramires. He seemed to lose his invincibility, but without Essien as the season commences, Mikel should become a regular again. That will also depend on the formation that Villas-Boas favours.
“He was bogged down with injuries and this affected his physical impact in the Chelsea midfield. However, Mikel still has a lot to give.
“He has been a part of the side for a while now and can work well with the other players as a result of the chemistry that has been developed over the years. And with Essien’s injury absence, Villas-Boas should rely on his services alongside Ramires in building a great team.”
 Read more on Salomon Kalou |
Current Form: Impressive |
Kingsley Kobo: “I can’t foresee what Kalou will do in the new season more than what he’s always done. There were rumours of his transfer back home, but we never heard anything more.
“Kalou slightly improved last season with some important goals, especially when Chelsea were in a low tide, but I can’t really say he did anything significant.
“No, Kalou is not likely to get that leading role at the Bridge.”
Read the original:
Why Andre Villas-Boas’ African players are key to Chelsea’s success