With recent reports of Cole leaving Chelsea doing the rounds, 18 Yard Box looks at how his loss could harm Chelsea and whether he has it in him to continue at the top
Having played for Chelsea since 2006, Ashley Cole has become a cult figure at the London club. He has always been one of the first names on the
team sheet, underlining his role and importance on the field considering his
performances are top notch. But off field incidents have dominated recently with
contractual problems and his involvement in Terry’s racism case against
Ferdinand being the causes of concern for both fans and the Board alike. Not only
this but since Benitez’ appointment, even he has come out to say that his
future is uncertain.
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| Cole in Arsenal's colours |
When Cole switched the Red of London for the Blue, one of the major
reasons he did that was for a significant rise in his pay, and this time, just
as yet rumours are mounting over his move away from Chelsea, the reasons could
be similar. With Chelsea intent on only offering him a pay packet that he
currently enjoys, long term financial security will be instrumental in deciding
Cole’s future.
Not only this, his antics off the field have only added to the
uncertainty. His recent rant on twitter criticizing the FA hasn’t gone down
well with the Chelsea hierarchy. An internal disciplinary hearing had followed,
with Cole issuing an apology to the fans and the FA. Off field matters have
dominated games, and the Board might just want to get rid of all the reasons
causing them. Recent reports have also included midfielder Lampard and Captain
Terry in the list of the exodus mid way or at the end of the season.
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| Cole then made the dreaded move to cross town rivals Chelsea |
Along with these issues, the contractual situation of Cole has done no
good either. With his current deal expiring in the summer, and Cole demanding a
minimum of 2 year deal, he looks set to leave as a free agent. This is
something the Board will regret, as with FFP looming they need to make the most
out of player sales. Also, the savings made by getting his significant salary
off the wage bill will help the club’s finances. Thus, such a situation might
just force the Board to offload him in January and as one of the best Left
Backs, he can expect a long list of possible suitors at his door.
Thus, an exit could be on cards provided the off pitch issues are not
solvable. Selling him, although will harm the squad, could induce a certain
amount of harmony among the Club and fans alike.
On the pitch, Chelsea will lose a lot as Cole (turning 32 in December) looks
to have that hunger left in him and as long as his performances don’t dip, age
shouldn’t matter. He has been outstanding this season, both in defence and
supporting the midfield. Players like Mata and Hazard play with relative ease
down the left just because of Cole’s quick runs while going forward and
resolute defending when behind the ball.
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| Cole has this season been linked with a transfer to PSG, Manchester United |
His tracking back with absolute ease makes the defensive midfielder’s
role easier, especially with players like Lampard having difficulties adapting
to the role.
With his pace and strength on the ball still intact, letting Cole leave
now will make the Champions League winning jigsaw lose a piece. He reads the
game well and is tactically astute. As far as injuries are concerned, Cole
hasn’t yet reached a point in his career where he needs to limit the number of
games he plays.
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| Cole's runs forward aid Mata thuere by providing another dimension to the attack |
Although Chelsea have been knocked out of the Champions League this
season and are down the pecking order in the EPL, Cole has had little fault in
it. As far his possible replacements are concerned, Chelsea has few in place. Although
the emergence of Ryan Bertrand has been tremendous, his ability to play week
in, week out as a crucial first team player is still untested. But he does have
the ability to fit in the various roles given by the manager and provide a
different dimension by being an extra man in defence.
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| Bertrand has been touted to replace Cole in the long term |
He needs to grab any opportunity while Cole is out of the starting
eleven (which happens rarely, he has appeared in 188 out of a possible 235
games), and prove that he can be an apt replacement for Cole. Currently,
though, he by any means is not experienced on the big stage so as to perform as
consistently as Cole.
Thus, selling Cole for any amount of money will not be positive to
Chelsea, because as yet, he is probably the best Left Back in the world.
Written By,
Aman Arora
Aman is a writer for 18 Yard Box
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