Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has hailed Lille star Nicolas Pepe after the Ivorian's season form.

Pepe, a target for the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, has produced 22 goals and 11 assists this campaign.

Drogba told France Football: "Big big big season ... Come from Angers then arrive in Lille and do that ... In his choices, he is good. He is lucky to work with someone like Christophe Galtier. He learns a lot by his side. I was amazed by his ability to accelerate, to change pace in defensive or offensive transitions. He's very strong.

"Physically, he is someone who has the bottle and is able to repeat efforts in a very small space. We have already discussed and I gave him two, three keys to progress again (laughs). He will be so important to the CAN for Ivory Coast."