Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted he would not swap Didier Drogba for any other striker after watching the Ivory Coast international fire the Blues into the last 16 of the Champions League.
Drogba missed Chelsea's opening three Group D games due to suspension following following his foul-mouthed confrontation with Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after last season's semi-final against Barcelona.
He returned with a bang on Tuesday night, netting both of his side's goals in a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid.
The first, which came in the 82nd minute and cancelled out Sergio Aguero's earlier strike for Atletico, was a towering header from Florent Malouda's cross, while his second six minutes later saw him latch onto a through-ball, escape the attentions of both Atletico centre-backs, and slot in at the second attempt after seeing his initial effort saved by Sergio Asenjo.
Drogba might even have been celebrating a hat-trick but his powerful free-kick just after half-time had been turned onto the post by the diving Asenjo.
After the game, Ancelotti heaped praise on Drogba and although he stopped short of saying the 31-year-old was the best striker in the world, he admitted he would not trade the former Marseille man for anyone else.
"I don't know (if he is the best). For sure, I want to keep him. I don't want to change him with any other striker," said Ancelotti.
"Didier is an important player for us. We have a lot of important players but he is doing very well and we are happy.
"I'm very happy with his behaviour, and I hope he continues like this."
Drogba, who has struck nine league goals already this season and is second only to Fernando Torres in the Premier League scoring charts, was asked afterwards if he was in the form of his life, and he told Sky Sports: "I think so. A few years ago I was playing with the same confidence. It's always easier when you are playing injury-free.
"I've played many Champions League games before but it's good to be on the pitch - I always say I am happy to be on the pitch and playing."
