Maurice, Drogba strikers I dreaded most – Taribo

Former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender, Taribo West, has named former Lyon striker Florian Maurice and ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as the two strikers he dreaded most during his playing career.

Renowned for his unusual and colourful hairstyles, the former Super Eagles star admitted he had tough times confronting both strikers.

“Funnily, Maurice I had problem stopping in France wasn’t popular globally,” Taribo told The Punch.

“He was with Lyon and twice I played against him, he was everywhere. I think he scored two or three goals the first time I faced him.

“I also had problems with Drogba when he was playing for Marseille. We also met in the European Cup and he was brought on in the second half with the game still goalless, but before we knew it, he had scored two goals.

“From that day, Drogba was at the top of the list of players I had a problem with.”

Taribo added, “Those were the two guys I dreaded most, every other big player, I prepared for them. I took time out to study their game and I came out on top.

“I was never afraid of Allan Shearer, Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto’o, Titi Camara and the rest because I prepared strongly for them. Maurice floored me twice, so I will say he was the striker I dreaded most.”