New York City FC's David Villa reacts after scoring against the Montreal Impact during second half MLS soccer action in Montreal on July 4, 2015. Before Didier Drogba makes his Montreal debut, there's another superstar the Impact need to pay attention to - David Villa of New York City FC. Villa has been on a rampage in Major League Soccer, scoring 10 goals in nine leagues games since May 30 and adding an impressive goal in the MLS all-star game on Wednesday night. NYC is 5-2-2 in that span. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

MONTREAL - Before Didier Drogba makes his Montreal debut, there's another superstar the Impact need to pay attention to — David Villa of New York City FC.

Villa has been on a rampage in Major League Soccer, scoring 10 goals in nine leagues games since May 30 and adding an impressive goal in the MLS all-star game on Wednesday night. NYC is 5-2-2 in that span.

The Spaniard feeds off Canadian teams, with four of those goals against Toronto FC and three in a pair of victories over the Impact.

He will try to add to that total when the Impact (7-8-3) visit NYC (6-9-6) on the narrow, irregular soccer pitch at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

"He's a lot like (former Impact star) Marco Di Vaio, he knows where to be," Montreal goalkeeper Evan Bush said of Villa. "You have to keep an eye on him, although that's easier said than done.

"You want to keep him within an arm's length. You live with him creating chances on his own, but you don't want him to tail off your back shoulder or make a darting run to the near post and finish off chances like that."

It has been a week of high excitement for the Impact with the arrival of former Chelsea scoring wizard Drogba, who will not be ready to play this week as he needs time to train and integrate with his new team before he appears in a match.

NYC has loaded up on big names for their inaugural MLS campaign. Besides Villa, Italian legend Andrea Pirlo, one of the world's most clever playmakers, was a hit in his debut in a 5-3 win over Orlando City last week.

English forward Frank Lampard, who signed last summer but spent the season with Manchester City, is close to making his NYC debut, although he missed the all-star game with a calf strain. NYC also recently picked up former Atletico Bilbao right back Andoni Iraola.

They play in one of the most famous stadiums in North America, but it was not built for soccer. The pitch is tight, and the part where the baseball infield is covered by sod doesn't match the section with smooth outfield grass.

When Montreal played there on June 13, they were beaten 3-1.

"We know what we're getting into this time," said Bush. "They feel they can force you into areas and press you to win balls.

"It's not only the dimensions, but the surface where the infield is covered is very choppy. Things happen over there."

When NYC visited Montreal on July 4, the Impact dominated but lost 2-1 as Villa got the winner with his second of the game on a perfectly placed free kick.

The Impact are coming off a 1-0 win at home over Seattle on a goal from defender Laurent Ciman, who is returning from playing the second half of the all-star game.

The win was their sixth in their last seven home games, but they've struggled on the road with a 1-6-2 record.

Perhaps, when he starts playing, a gifted scorer like Drogba will be the difference away from home.

Already, the 37-year-old Ivorian has the city in a tizzy.

"A lot of guys saw what happened at the airport (where Drogba was greeted by hundreds of fans) and that's exciting for sure," said Bush. "It's like the president coming to town.

"But we're concentrating on New York now. Until he comes in the locker room and is with the group, I'm not sure it affects what happens on the field. We'll welcome him with open arms as soon as he comes in."

News from © The Canadian Press, 2015