It’s Arsenal versus Chelsea and as it is always the case before the game many are wondering how the Arsenal back four will deal with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

According to striker Marouane Chamakh, the Ivory Coast International is not only a big worry for defenders but also one who should be used as a role model by his fellow strikers. Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, the 26-year old believes the African was rewarded for his hard work and had extraordinary success in his career.

The former Bordeaux man added how he has great respect for Drogba – who also featured in the Ligue 1 – as he hopes to be one day on the same level of the 32-year old.

Asked about similarities between the two, the Moroccan concluded by saying how it is flattering but also how he’s not yet on par with Drogba, who scored more than 35 goals for his club, last season, in all competitions.

Ahead of Monday’s game, Chamakh said:

As far as I am concerned, he is a role model for strikers. He’s had extraordinary success. And as an Ivory Coast player and an African man, it makes me even happier to see him succeed and get rewarded for his hard work.

I have the greatest respect for him and what he’s achieved even though he went through some tough times.

I wish him lots of happiness and I hope that maybe one day I’ll get to his level, even though I know he has raised the bar very high.

[Similarities] are extremely flattering. We can have a similar style without being at the same level. His legacy in France is immense. He has always been a fantastic competitor and I think he has rightly been rewarded for his hard work having gone through a lot.