Didier Drogba saw off Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas to claim the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for December.
Chelsea ace wins December's Fans' Player of the Month
Didier Drogba saw off the challenge of Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas to claim the title of PFA Fans' Player of the Month for December in the Premier League.
It is not just his goals, many of them wonder strikes, that have wowed fans this season, but the powerful, all-action performances the Chelsea man produces week in, week out.
Drogba has already claimed 19 goals so far this season and, by the end of January, given his current form, he could easily have been well into the 20s.
But international duty calls and the timing of the African Cup of Nations means Chelsea will be without their leading scorer and talisman for the best part of a month.
Like Liverpool without Fernando Torres or Manchester United minus Wayne Rooney, Drogba will be a big loss at such a critical part of the season.
Positives
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, of course, continues to play down the absence of the Ivory Coast star, and prefers to accentuate the positives.
Namely, the opportunity it will give the likes of Florent Malouda and Daniel Sturridge to stake their claim for a regular starting spot whilst their African pal is away.
Expect Nicolas Anelka to step up to the plate also - as he has done for much of what has been his best-ever season in the Premier League - when he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Young striker Sturridge though looks to have put himself in pole position with his two goals against Watford, and Ancelotti reckons there's more to come from the on loan striker.
"I am happy because it was important to start the New Year well, and to play this game well," said Ancelotti after the comfortable FA Cup win.
"It was a good performance and Sturridge played very well. It's important for us to have him in good condition because, without Drogba, it is important to have him in good shape. We have done well without Didier before, and we will do so again, I am sure.
"He scored two goals and that's important for a striker, to score. But he deserved that. He played very well for the whole match.
"This performance was very important for him. It'll improve his confidence. He has a lot of potential and great quality, and he can show that on the pitch in January. I think that we can do a good January, good performances without the African players."
Voting is now under way for January's contenders so click here to ensure your favourite is one of the final four.
