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Côte d'Ivoire
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Didier Drogba
03/04/2006: Things could have been so different for the Ivory Coast's star striker Didier Drogba.
Having started life as a right back, few would have predicted that the Abidjan-born player would become perhaps Africa's most feared forward.
His early career at the front of the team also did not suggest he would become such a success, only scoring one goal in every five outings between 1998 and 2002.
It was the plaudit of French Player of the Year during his breakthrough 2003-04 season at Marseille that really brought him to the attention of the world's press and pundits.
During that season, French defences were unable to cope with his power and pace, as Drogba slammed in over one goal every two games.
In particular, the Ivory Coast striker impressed Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who demonstrated his faith in Didier by pulling out all the stops to sign the player.
He eventually convinced Marseille to part with their African diamond, but only before Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had parted with a transfer fee of £24 million.
Since that huge move, some have doubted his ability to score regularly. The World Cup is the perfect stage for Drogba to prove that he really is world class and answer the doubters once and for all.
Côte d'Ivoire
Kolo Toure (06/06/2006)
Emmanuel Eboue (26/05/2006)
Didier Drogba (03/04/2006)