Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has praised the early-season form of midfielder Michael Essien as Chelsea prepare to host Charlton.

Ghana international Essien's form has seen him play a major part in creating goals in all of Chelsea's games so far and Drogba, who regularly played against him in the French league, reckons the Ghanaian will get even better.

Ahead of Saturday's clash against the Addicks, Drogba said: "Michael had a great World Cup and I hope he will play like this for the season.

"I have known him since he was playing for Lyon and what he is doing now is nothing new.

"My goal at Blackburn, it was a nice goal. First of all because of the way we prepared this goal. There were three or four passes, very quick, one touch from everybody and then a great ball from Michael.

"A few moments before I told him to give a good ball, not too fast and that is what he did. I was happy to score."