Ashley Cole

[kellzfresh 7,229]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BYI1pKTCIAAn952.png:large

What has happened to this guy

[BlueLion. 21,491]

In regards to his recent performances:

In all seriousness, it's called old age. It's catching up with Ash. Nowhere near the player he once was.

[The_Flash 1,144]

I disagree, i think Ashley is really good, solid, gives alot to the team. My opinion.

[ChelseasMessiah 304]

He's my favourite Chelsea player but I'll say he has not been at his best lately. I think Mourinho restricted his role given Terry's lack of pace and Lampard being in the pivot/DM.

[Jype 6,398]

He's my favourite Chelsea player but I'll say he has not been at his best lately.

Understatement of the century. All season he's been a huge liability at the back and these days he doesn't even offer much going forward either.

It's not Mourinho restricting his role to accommodate the other seniors in the team, it's simply Cole being shit. Or how else do you explain Bertrand doing just fine in defense as well as attack when playing with the same teammates?

[mediator 2,026]

Understatement of the century. All season he's been a huge liability at the back and these days he doesn't even offer much going forward either.

It's not Mourinho restricting his role to accommodate the other seniors in the team, it's simply Cole being shit. Or how else do you explain Bertrand doing just fine in defense as well as attack when playing with the same teammates?

Last season he was also poor going forward

[Sheva. 5,373]

^ Yep. But he was very good defensively, so no one cared.

But no matter who you are, you can't fucking do badly at both ends like he has been this season

[Jype 6,398]

Last season he was also poor going forward

Well, in my humble opinion he's been poor overall for a couple of years now but as I know not many people on here agree I chose to talk about this season only.

But yeah, for me he's been shit ever since 2011. Back then he still had his moments and by turning up on the big occasions he played a big part in the club winning the CL and the FA Cup so we can't be too critical of his performances that season but even then he just didn't bother showing up most of the times. Add a couple of more players like that to the team (Drogba, Malouda etc.) and it's no surprise we ended up sixth in the Prem.

[Amblève. 4,995]

I disagree, i think Ashley is really good, solid, gives alot to the team. My opinion.

What do you mean by "gives a lot to the team"? I'm curious.

[The_Flash 1,144]

I think he's a strong player for us, many good performances, my opinion, your entitled to your own.

[Amblève. 4,995]

What do you mean by "gives a lot to the team"? I'm curious.

I think he's a strong player for us, many good performances, my opinion, your entitled to your own.

THIS is no answer for my question.

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

Hes been so poor this season. Is it any wonder though, teams have been looking to target him all the time, Newcastle targeted him in the air, he gave away a few needless fouls from their long balls like one on Sissoko.

If the rumors are true that Jose tried to get Coentrao even though the negotiations came to nothing and that he enquired for a 'young English player' but was put off because of the price when it was well noted there was a big club who bid for Luke Shaw then maybe in the summer he might try and get a new LB in.

Bertrand's performance in the league cup was more than enough to warrant him a start as was Mikel's performance but yet Cole and Lampard started against Newcastle... maybe Jose is just picking them on reputation... don't want to think about it like that but looking at some of their performances then maybe it is true... same with Hazard at times.. reading it back it seems ridiculous but at times this season you could say this could apply.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Bertrand's performance in the league cup was more than enough to warrant him a start as was Mikel's performance but yet Cole and Lampard started against Newcastle... maybe Jose is just picking them on reputation... don't want to think about it like that but looking at some of their performances then maybe it is true... same with Hazard at times.. reading it back it seems ridiculous but at times this season you could say this could apply.

Not to pick on you, but this is exactly the type of kneejerk, short-termist thinking that is far too prominent in our support sometimes.

Bertrand played well against Arsenal, so it warranted a start against Newcastle. What about Cole's last game which was against Man City (and not Myaichi)? Doesn't that warrant a start?

No...it must be because he's being picked on reputation.

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

Not to pick on you, but this is exactly the type of kneejerk, short-termist thinking that is far too prominent in our support sometimes.

Bertrand played well against Arsenal, so it warranted a start against Newcastle. What about Cole's last game which was against Man City (and not Myaichi)? Doesn't that warrant a start?

No...it must be because he's being picked on reputation.

That is true but you look at how easily Cole has been exploited this season and even last season. His lack of support for Hazard when we go up the pitch as well limits the space Hazard has to work in. He has 2 or 3 players on him usually, if Coles there as an option or making a run he can take one away giving Eden more room to go past someone in a one on one or one on two situation. His attacking play has suffered due to his lack of mobility and his defending is also suffering. Bertrand was very good in both phases of the game for me, offensively and defensively.

[Sidzeret 2,257]

Least goal threat in our side not counting Cech.

I would have still picked him if he was sold defensively. Bertrand should be the better option for the time being.

I also think we should be going for a world class LB in the summer, preferably Coentrao(or anyone better) and also sign Luke Shaw and send him out on loan.