Top 10 strikers of the Premier League era

#9 Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba was the undisputed king of Stamford Bridge

Clubs: Chelsea

EPL Apps: 254

Goals: 104

Assists: 54

League titles: 4

Individual accolades: 2 x Golden Boot

"Judge him when he leaves the club."

Jose Mourinho's statement wasn't wrong after all. Neither were the Chelsea supporters, who doubted the Portuguese mastermind's transfer plans when he brought Didier Drogba to England.

To start with, the Ivorian hadn't done anything special and at 26, he was not what you would call the Torres or Shevchenko material. But, as the reputations of the latter two deceived the fans, Didier Drogba ascended the throne as Stamford Bridge's undisputed king.

Establishing himself as one of the best strikers, the Ivorian lived a fairytale that was quite unexpected of him. His artistry as a striker is unquestionable considering the belters he scored in the blue shirt. But, it's his ability to make a difference on important nights that makes him stand out from the rest.

Drogba made it a habit of being the match-winner in finals. Surely, none of us can forget how he dragged Chelsea to a win with a sublime header and a winning penalty on that UCL final night against Bayern. To add to that, Didier Drogba has scored in 10 finals that won him 10 medals, enough to make him immortal at the Bridge.

Years have gone by, yet the Premier League is waiting to see a big-game player as influential as the brawny Ivorian.