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Didier Drogba off to hot start with Phoenix Rising FC

By Roy Emanuel

May 31, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Rising FC forward/owner Didier Drogba (right) in the owners box against the San Francisco Deltas in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Rising FC forward/owner Didier Drogba (right) in the owners box against the San Francisco Deltas in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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A look at the player’s strong beginning in the desert.

After much speculation throughout the start of the year and non-stop rumors of his addition to Phoenix Rising FC, striker Didier Drogba has more than lived up to his own hype thus far in USL. The former Chelsea forward has scored three goals in his first two matches for his new club, of which he is also a part-owner.

Phoenix have seen a major turnaround in terms of their overall brand, both locally and nationally. The signings of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Omar Bravo, along with Drogba, have the side prepared well for their recent MLS expansion bid.

A new stadium was built, and attendance has seen a remarkable improvement compared to their time spent playing in Peoria.

Phoenix Rising prepare to host first-place Real Monarchs SLC this coming Saturday, looking to gain ground in the USL’s Western Conference standings.

Transition and change

The process of potentially becoming an MLS franchise, the rebranding from Arizona United SC and all of the new roster moves was bound to have some growing pains in terms of results on the field. However, a new head coach was a bump in the road that was not completely planned for.

Former LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes manager Frank Yallop resigned early into the 2017 season, soon after the announcement of Drogba’s signing. Patrice Cateron has filled the role, and appears to be acclimating well to his new side and his new home.

As the new players and head coach gain more trust and knowledge within their overall system, Phoenix fans can expect performances to improve.

Drogba’s effect

Didier Drogba’s arrival as a player-owner is a clearly unique situation, but ultimately the franchise will stand to benefit in many ways from his presence. Similar to his start for the Montreal Impact during his time in Major League Soccer, the Ivorian international is as potent as ever right from the start.

Drogba scored seven goals in his first five matches for the Canadian side in 2015, and 11 in 11 matches overall that season. He appears to be on a similar path thus far for Phoenix as well.

His decisions not to play on turf and overall fitness levels certainly come into question with supporters, just as they did in Montreal. But Drogba’s on-field production, leadership and star power are qualities that will propel the club to where they want to be in the future.

Next: Chelsea poised to make crucial signing

“Is Drogba playing?” became a derisive phrase used by many fans earlier this year, as their marquee striker’s debut seemed to be a moment that was in constant delay. But with the scintillating form he has displayed over the past two weeks, all involved with the team will feel that they are headed in the right direction.

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