Emmanuel Adebayor believes his playing style is a blend of Kanu's finesse and Didier Drogba's raw power.
Togo international delighted with his playing style
Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor believes his playing style is very much a blend of Kanu's finesse and Didier Drogba's raw power.
The 23-year-old joined The Gunners from Monaco in January 2006, however pundits were quick to criticise his apparent lack of natural finishing ability.
Adebayor went on to score 12 goals during his first season with Arsenal and gradually won over the Arsenal faithful with his tireless running.
This campaign, though, the towering striker has demonstrated that he has the clinical edge to complement his strength, and has already netted six times in 10 appearances.
Adebayor explained that while Kanu is his childhood hero, he firmly believes he has the perfect combination between the legendary Nigerian's technique and Drogba's muscle.
Confidence
"When I first came to London a lot of people were saying 'he's a very good player but not such a good finisher', and I'd like to prove them wrong," he told Arsenal's official magazine.
"It was very difficult for me. Coming from France, I was not used to the football here.
"So that's why perhaps it's normal that people would compare me more with Kanu when I first came over here, but now I can say I'm stronger, I can keep the ball and hold on to it, I'm quicker than before too.
"So maybe there's a little bit of Drogba and a little bit of Kanu - that could be a good striker.
"Drogba is a strong player who can score at any time. And Kanu, well, you've got the finish, you've got the technique, you've got the touch. If people say I can be half and half of each then it's really good for me.
"I'm very grateful a lot of people are now saying I'm a good finisher, that I'm strong in the air, that I can win the ball, that I'm fast. This gives me more confidence, but I still have to improve."
Exploit
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague, Adebayor voiced his confidence that he might be able to utilise his pace and punish the Czech side.
"In the big games you always get chances to score - both teams are going for the win, and maybe because I'm quite fast I can exploit space behind them," he said.
"They will be attacking and leave room. When you're playing a smaller team it can be very difficult. They are waiting for you to come to them, instead of coming out to win."
