Lukaku 'mentored' by Drogba whose stunning final record could inspire dropped star

And he shouldn't have to look very far for inspiration, as he looks to live up to the legacy of Stamford Bridge legend, cup final king and close 'mentor' Didier Drogba.

The Belgian forward made a promising start on his return to Stamford Bridge by scoring three goals in his opening five league games, but his campaign has been stumbled after suffering an ankle injury and contracting COVID-19.

But he recently played an instrumental role in Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph - scoring the winner in the semi-final win over Al Hilal and a thumping header past Palmeira goalkeeper Weverton in the final.

The Blues made history by completing the set of major trophies available to European sides.

It was also a big personal victory for Lukaku, as it was his first cup final victory in five attempts having lost the previous four finals with his former clubs - two UEFA Super Cups with Chelsea and Manchester United, the FA Cup with United against the Blues in 2018 and the 2020 Europa League final with Inter Milan as they were beaten by Sevilla.

It's a finals record that pales in comparison to club legend Drogba, who holds a sensational record of scoring 12 goals in 15 cup finals during his glittering career.

The Ivorian great helped Chelsea to four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League, as well as two Community Shield wins.

Drogba's influence could be key at a time when Lukaku's confidence will be rock bottom, after a run of poor performances and being dropped from Chelsea's Champions League last-16 first leg win over Lille.

The legendary frontman has been one of Lukaku's close mentors throughout his career, with the pair playing together during the Belgian's first spell in the 2011/12 campaign.

Speaking to Chelsea's official website following his return to the club last summer, Lukaku said about Drogba: "He'd always watch me whilst I was working, telling me how to improve and what to do. It was only right I included him in my decision [to come to Chelsea].

"He was my mentor, him and Nicolas Anelka, in the last few years."

Lukaku also revealed during his Manchester United spell that he was in regular contract with the Blues legend.

"Well he's [Drogba] been a part of my process from day one until now, we talk almost every day."

A word of encouragement from Drogba could not be more timely ahead of Sunday's all-important Carabao Cup final against rivals Liverpool.

The Ivory Coast record goalscorer acknowledged Lukaku's response to recent setbacks, including his infamous interview with Sky Sport Italia earlier this season and remains hopeful he has moved on since.

"He took his responsibility to talk and put a bit more pressure on himself and delivered tonight, scoring an important goal," said Drogba after watched his beloved Chelsea claim the Club World Cup trophy.

"Every player always has something to prove and will always want to do better but hescored the goal to give us the lead and I'm happy with this performance."

Lukaku failed to make an impact in his first spell in west London and was the understudy of Drogba, Fernando Torres and Salomon Kalou.

The 28-year-old returned to Chelsea last summer for a club record fee of £97.5million following his time at Inter Milan - where he won the Serie A title under head coach Antonio Conte last season.

But he hasn't be able to help guide the club to a serious title challenge, with Chelsea sat 13 points behind leaders Man City.

"He put himself under a certain pressure because coming back to the club where you start was difficult, and you come back because you want to prove a point," Drogba added after the Club World Cup final.

"But he's winning and I think he's going to make it."

Drogba also revealed that he has offered advice to his former teammate and he said: "I hope he learned from me.

"He's a goalscorer. He's having a difficult moment, but bouncing back and this kind of trophy will bring his confidence back."

Lukaku may get the chance to immediately prove his doubters wrong at Wembley Stadium, with Thomas Tuchel admitting Lukaku has 'every chance' of featuring in the Carabao Cup final this weekend.

The German's plan was to give him a break ahead of the crunch clash with Liverpool, as the boss aims to win his fourth trophy at Chelsea.

"Every game is different," said Tuchel. "The focus for this game [against Lille] was on intensity and a high-speed game.

"We needed hard work against the ball and intensive teamwork and Romelu struggled in the last games a little bit to deliver that.

"That's what I mean when I said I felt him a bit tired, mentally and physically.

"He has started every match since the Liverpool game, and had extra time as well. It is like this, and against Lille we went for three other players.

"Kai is in very good shape and he delivered high-intensive metres for the team. We have four days to decide and recover and - of course - there's every chance for Romelu to play."

Tuchel will be hoping his side secures more silverware, and he'll also be hoping Lukaku takes a leaf out of Drogba's book, with the final presenting with the perfect opportunity for the striker to emulate his mentor's success.