Chelsea loanee Lukaku plays down Drogba comparisons

Posted Sunday, May 05, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, currently on loan at West Brom, has played down comparisons between himself and former Blues striker Didier Drogba.

Lukaku, who turns 20 next week, has often been described as 'the next Drogba' and has done little to curb such comparisons following an explosive breakout year with the Baggies. The Belgian ace, who has scored 14 league goals for the Hawthorns outfit, believes he is his own man, though he thanked Drogba for his guidance while at Chelsea.

“Didier and I do have a similar style,” Lukaku told FIFA.com. “I learned a lot from him, and I’m delighted to have had the chance to rub shoulders with him for a year.

“But there's only one Didier Drogba, just like there's only one Romelu Lukaku.

“Players like Drogba and [Nicolas] Anelka took me under their wing and showed me how things worked in the Premier League. And now I’m happy to be able to spread my own wings.”

Lukaku believes he needed to step out of the Stamford Bridge shadows and prove his worth on the pitch, hence his decision to move to West Brom on loan. While he has enjoyed an excellent campaign, leading the Baggies in scoring, he recognizes the need to continue to improve if he wants to fulfil his dream of winning the Ballon d'Or.

“I had to put my reputation on the line, because I had a lot to prove,” Lukaku continued. “I’d been criticized a bit, and I wanted to respond in my own polite way – by performing strongly on the pitch.

“I’m only 19. It goes without saying that I’ve still got a lot to learn. First and foremost, I need to keep my feet on the ground. I thank God every day for the opportunity to play in the Premier League. I know that not everyone gets this kind of chance, especially at my age.

“I can and I must improve every area of my game. Perfecting my skills is the only way I’m going to get better. Winning the Fifa Ballon d’Or is actually a dream of mine.”