Gus Hiddink stood back and watched Didier Drogba destroy Arsenal's back-line on Saturday and knew that he had witnessed the full circle of a player this season.
Drogba had not been himself up until February of this year when his confidence was at an all-time low, he was a bit part player, goals were scarce and the team looked to be on the decline and their title dream slipping away, then Gus Hiddink replaced Phil Scholari, restored confidence and made them believe that they could achieve anything again, the goals returned and belief was back at Stamford Bridge.
Hiddink's arrival has brought a return of nine goals from twelve appearences from Drogba and as the Dutchman tells the clubs official website, its Drogba that he just can't stop talking about.
'If you have to play him it hurts. He is physically very strong, he is brave because he is going into duels not knowing what is happening.
'Just power is not enough, I like the clever players who can reads the game, where the danger comes. We are talking about Drogba but I don't want to make many exceptions, but [you can] use the work of Alex who I think is a little underestimated in the recent period here.
'He is of tremendous value to the team, and is doing a great job. But then I forget the rest of the team as well, and I am proud of those guys.' asked what he had done to turn his game around? Hiddink quickly dismissed it was anything to do with him.'First, it's him, because the player himself is producing what he is producing recently, not just in the goals, but also as a personal contribution towards the team. He is coming in every day and practicing very hard, and smiles also,' said the Dutchman.
'In the first week we had a good talk, good training sessions and some team talks. I explained what i expected from everyone and they reacted, and he reacted as well.
'We don't demand every game one goal, but when he is delivering he is so sharp to get it done. He is also saying "Guys this is the moment we have to deliver", giving an example as well.'
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