Alvaro Morata admits that he has sought inspiration from Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as he seeks to earn similar status at Stamford Bridge.
The Spain international joined the Blues for £70 million from Real Madrid over the summer and was charged with the task of immediately inheriting a central striking berth.
With Diego Costa frozen out, Morata was asked to become the next leading man in the Blues’ pursuit of major honours.
Some iconic figures have filled those boots in the past, with Drogba among the most memorable having landed four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League over the course of two spells with the Blues which delivered 164 goals.
Revealing to Chelsea’s official magazine that he requested a video of Drogba’s efforts upon signing for the club, Morata said: “I put it on at home so I improve with Didier.”
He has obviously taken some important lessons from the legendary Ivorian, with 10 goals netted in 22 appearances so far.
A number of those have been with his head, with the 25-year-old prepared to lift the lid on why he is so prolific in the air.
Getty ImagesHe added: “When I was seven or eight, I got a trampoline.
"My dad used to say to me all the time, ‘come on with the head’ and then pass the ball to me as I jumped. I really think it’s helped my heading game because I practiced this all the time with my dad.
“I found it funny when I was little to jump high and head or kick the ball, but it helped me for the future as well because the aerial game is one of my good points.”
Morata also says that he is enjoying life in the Premier League, with the physicality and relentless demands of the English top-flight being embraced by a man experiencing them for the first time.
“I really enjoy playing a lot of games because I always want to score more and play more," he said. "In the Premier League we have to play a lot and we always need the support of the fans.
“They understand that we are not machines and they will be behind the team all the time. If football is your life, then you enjoy playing a lot of it.
“(In the Premier League) You don’t have much time to relax, you don’t have time to turn or think. All the games are fast, but I enjoy that because I have more chances.
“Also the referees here have another criteria. They want to let play go on more, not like in Spain or Italy where it’s a foul every time a player falls. It’s different but it’s good.”