Perrin backs Drogba

Exclusive By Bryn Palmer

Chelsea agree Drogba fee

Former Marseille coach Alain Perrin has backed Didier Drogba to be a huge success in English football.

Perrin, who paid a French domestic transfer record to take Drogba to Marseille, believes the striker has the qualities to match Chelsea's ambition.

"He is absolutely ready to play for a club like that," Perrin told BBC Sport. "He is mature, has a good head on his shoulders and is very competitive.

"Even if he faces more competition there, Didier has the will to succeed."

Perrin, who paid £4m for Drogba after he had scored 17 goals for Guingamp in 2002-03, believes the player's strengths make him ideal for the Premiership.

"He is a strong player physically, capable of holding off defenders in the duels, and his heading ability is up there with the best," Perrin explained.

"Didier is decisive in the penalty area and his speed and power allow him to find the space in which to work.

"At Marseille he progressed in his movement and athleticism, and his goalscoring ability.

Didier has a desire to progress and make himself a better player

"He scored goals before he arrived but once he was surrounded by better quality players, it was easy for him.

"He was top scorer in the French league in his first season and proved in European games against better defences that he is capable of making the difference."

Perrin parted company with Marseille in February after the club's elimination from the Champions League last season.

But in his time at the club he oversaw Drogba's development from a promising striker at a small-town club to one of Europe's leading forwards.

He believes the way Drogba handled the transition bodes well for the pressure he will endure as Chelsea's record signing.

"When I signed him, the only risk was how he would adapt from a relatively anonymous club to a well-known team like Marseille," Perrin added.

"It can be difficult mentally to adapt and success can turn a player's head. But Didier had a very good mentality.

Drogba: The Life and Times

"He was very keen to work and listen to the advice we gave him. He had a desire to progress and make himself a better player.

"He was not content to say 'I play for a big club now, I don't need to make any effort.'

"He wanted to do the maximum possible to improve as a player."