Romelu Lukaku admits he is a 'very similar' player to Didier Drogba, but is not out to replace the Ivorian.
Striker sees comparisons, but wants to play alongside his mentor
New Chelsea signing Romelu Lukaku admits he is a 'very similar' player to Didier Drogba, but is not out to replace the Ivorian.
Drogba has been reduced to a bench role in each of Chelsea's opening two Premier League games, while Lukaku has yet to make his debut.
The 18-year-old only signed from Anderlecht last Thursday, but has already been working closely with Drogba, who is serving as his mentor.
With their similar build and style, the comparisons are inevitable, but Lukaka insists there is nothing stopping the pair leading the line for Chelsea together.
"I'm not here to replace him, I'm just here to play for Chelsea. I can play with him and continue to learn," he told
Sky Sports News.
"I have pace and in a one-on-one I'm very strong, but to be compared to him is a very big honour to me.
Training
"Every time in training I spend time with him, we talk a lot and I sit next to him also in the dressing room."
And Drogba is not the only striker at the club helping out the talented teenager, with Premier League veteran Nicolas Anelka and £50million buy Fernando Torres also chipping in with advice.
Lukaku added: "Every moment I'm with him (Drogba) I always listen to him because he gives me good advice. Nic and Fernando are the same.
"I want to learn from the players who are here and after that I just want to show to the coach that I'm ready if he needs me.
"But first I want to train and be fit for as long as possible because here you train at a very high level and you make much more effort than in Belgium, and I'm aware about that."
