2 months in, Drogba praises Chinese league

Shanghai Shenhua's star striker Didier Drogba praised the Chinese Super League, and made his picks for the world's best player from both ends of the field: Petr Cech and Lionel Messi.

Shanghai Shenhua's striker Didier Drogba waves to crowds at a fans and media event in Shanghai on Thursday. [Photo/CFP]

"Through this period of trainings and matches, I have a basic understanding of the CSL and Chinese players. This is a great league. And despite much room for improvement, I feel like it has been making progress. I give it a 7 on a scale of 10," said Drogba at a fans and media event in Shanghai on Thursday.

"There are many talented players in CSL this season, and you can feel it. I am not in a position to give them advice. I hope they can keep improving."

Speaking of the influx of big international names in CSL, Drogba said it was a great move as it will help the league expand its influence.

Two months into his stay with Shenhua, Drogba is getting his groove back. He scored five goals in the seven matches he played. And the home attendance of Shenhua had a 30 percent hike since his arrival.

When asked who he thought was the toughest competitor on the field, Drogba said there are two candidates in his mind – his former Chelsea teammate, goalkeeper Petr Cech, and Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

"Defensively, Cech is hands down the best…Offensively it is going to be Messi. I think he is the best striker I have played against."