Hiddink hails Drogba attitude Kind words for Drogba as Essien closes in on return

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has moved to praise the contribution and attitude of striker Didier Drogba.

Drogba was something of an outcast figure at the club during Luiz Felipe Scolari's reign as manager, with the Brazilian favouring Nicolas Anelka in attack ahead of the Ivorian.

But the 30-year-old has since started both games under the management of Hiddink, and the Dutchman admits that he has been impressed by the man just as much as the footballer.

"His attitude is very good," revealed the former Holland, South Korea and Australia boss.

"I knew about Didier because of his performances in the World Cup and other tournaments, but I didn't know him personally.

"I'm very positive about his contribution. On the pitch he is fighting for every ball so the other ones can take advantage of that. And besides that he got his goal.

"Off the pitch he is a great example in the dressing room to make the team strong. So he is not just for himself, he is very committed with the rest of the team as well. I cannot find one detail that's not okay."
Team ethos

Another criticism aimed at Scolari was his unwillingness to employ Drogba and Anelka alongside one another.

However, Hiddink sees no such problems in fielding the two, so long as they work not just for each other, but for the rest of their team-mates

"This debate will go on. But what for me is the most important thing, is if they are both bringing what they can tactically to the team," he said.

"That means they have a defensive responsibility as well when we lose possession and if they do that then we can use their force, their sharpness when we have the key moments in attack.

"And if that's the case, then I am sure they can play together."

Star back in action

Meanwhile, midfielder Michael Essien is closing on a return to first-team action after almost six months on the sidelines.

The Ghanaian has not played since sustaining cruciate knee ligament damage back in September, but Essien is now set to feature in his first competitive game for the Chelsea reserve side on Monday - much to Hiddink's pleasure.

"He is developing very well. We have put him through some tough games in recent days, 5-a-side, 8-a-side, and he will be available shortly I think," Hiddink added.

"We plan to play him on Monday with the reserves at Aston Villa. I hope he will be back soon.

"If you see him training with the group he is doing well, and also his presence is good to see, so I am positive about that."