Chelsea legend Didier Drogba says he has not been surprised by the recent rise of Blues striker Tammy Abraham.
The 21-year-old Abraham has enjoyed a stellar start to the Premier League season, bagging himself seven goals in the campaign so far.
Drogba worked alongside the young Abraham, while the striker was finding his way in the Chelsea academy and the former Ivory Coast international feels he had an influence on the teenager.
“Yeah, I’ve known him [Abraham] since he’s been like this,” Drogba explained. “These are kids we used to see, they used to come and watch us training, and I believe they learned a little bit of our skills, how we read the game.
“So, you know, we’re not surprised because I also trained with them when I used to train with the reserve team. It was always a moment for me to give away some skills, some knowledge, and they learnt really fast, really quick. “So once again, I’m not surprised with what I’ve seen [with Abraham].”
Having developed his game in the Championship with the likes of Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa, Abraham is starting to reap the rewards with his performances in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s inability to strengthen in the transfer market has played into the young striker’s hands and he has taken his opportunity under manager Frank Lampard.
The Blues will eventually be allowed to bring in players but at present it doesn’t appear that they need to spend big on a new striker, with Abraham being a real find from the club’s academy.
Abraham will be looking to add to his tally this weekend when Chelsea host the Premier League frontrunners Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues will be determined to narrow the gap, with the Reds already enjoying a seven-point advantage over Lampard’s side going into the encounter on Sunday.
