Eto'o vs. Drogba: Who will be the more valuable this season?

Two African legends found the net in the Premier League last weekend to help their sides to valuable points.
Ivory Coast icon Didier Drogba rolled back the years to open the scoring against Manchester United in Chelsea 's 1-1 draw with Louis van Gaal's side. At Turf Moor, meanwhile Samuel Eto'o scored Everton 's first and last goal to help the Toffees to a 3-1 victory over beleaguered Burnley.
Over the subsequent days, teammates of the pair have spoken to the media about the veterans' role for their respective teams. Nemanja Matic believes that Drogba will be a key figure for the Pensioners this term, while Romelu Lukaku and Leighton Baines have both spoken about the positive impact Eto'o is having in the Toffees dressing room.
In this feature, two of Goal Nigeria's finest debate whether the ex-Elephant or the former Indomitable Lion will be the most valuable performer for their respective side this season.

“Hopefully Drogba will be good for the weekend [against Queens Park Rangers] but we’ll have to see cos right now his character is stronger than his body,” – Jose Mourinho was quoted as saying in a press conference by Goal.
Didier Drogba returned home this summer after spending two years in China and Turkey, and though his status as one of the all-time greats for the London club never waned, there were fears over his relevance at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho brought in Spanish striker Diego Costa to provide the much-needed goals, which let the Blues down in their title pursuit last season. And as far as the Portuguese manager is concerned, the former Atletico Madrid forward, who has taken to life at the Bridge with relative ease, is the main man at Chelsea.
The Spanish striker is joint top-goal-scorer in the league along with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero on nine goals. In fact, French international Loic Remy, who signed from QPR, is arguably ahead of Drogba in the pecking order.
However, Drogba has shown that he’s not just all about the past. The 36-year-old has showed no signs of ageing with his brilliant performances so far.


With injuries to the first and second choice strikers in the team, an episode that seemed to have put the Blues in some trouble, there was bit of a panic about Drogba’s durability and level of productivity.
But the former Galatasaray forward has shown outstanding professionalism and an unflinching eye for goal that made him such a fearsome player in years past.
77 minutes against Maribor (one goal), 90 minutes against Manchester United (one goal), and 90 minutes against Shrewsbury Town (one goal): Three games and three goals in just one week; how’s that for a stat from a 36-year-old!?
Drogba’s role for the team this season is clearly defined: step into the fray when needed and maintain the high-standards and goal-scoring form expected of a Chelsea forward. Simple. And Drogba has so far flourished in this new role. You couldn’t really ask for more.
His admirable attitude and professionalism on and off the pitch, which have drawn plaudits from all and sundry, is an inspiration to players even outside the badge he represents.
Value is measured by relevance. And in the case of Drogba, his relevance for Chelsea this season is immeasurable.