Chelsea FC manager Carlo Ancelotti hails Ashley Cole
Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Ashley Cole as the best left-back in the world and believes the Chelsea defender is a role model for all aspiring footballers.
Cole has enjoyed great success at Chelsea FC and has been a crucial part of their rise over the past few years. The former Arsenal player did not manage to make it into the 23-man list nominated for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award;
however, defenders are always in short supply at FIFA's award ceremonies and only four made it to this year's list.
Ancelotti, though, has hailed the 29-year-old as one of the top defenders in the game and compared his situation to that of Italian legend Paolo Maldini, who also struggled to win the prestigious title.
Ancelotti said. ""Everyone can see that Ashley Cole is the best left-back in the world. Every year it is difficult for a defender to be on the list for the Ballon d'Or because usually it is just for strikers and midfielders. Cole
played with extraordinary quality for us last season, both defensively and when scoring goals and making assists. Cole and Maldini are different players because they have different bodies and different skills but professionally and in terms of personality
they are the same. They have the same passion for the job."
Cole's lucrative move to Chelsea in 2006 led to accusations of greed and arrogance from many Arsenal fans and the Chelsea no.3 is still jeered by the most of the crowd when he plays at away grounds.
The Former AC Milan coach is very pleased with his player’s attitude on the pitch and holds him in high regard.
"He is highly motivated, a very good player and a very good professional. I think everyone who appreciates football should appreciate him because he is also a very fair player. He never shouts at referees or makes bad tackles on
opponents. On the pitch he is an example."
Ancelotti was not the Chelsea manager when Cole infamously abused the referee Mike Riley after being booked for a dangerous tackle on Alan Hutton in a 4-4 draw against the Spurs in 2008. Later on, he apologised for his lack of
respect that night and promised to display more composure on the pitch.
Ashley has received only two yellow cards in 16 appearances for club and country this season. It might be unwise, however, to conclude that any improvement in the 29-year-old's on-pitch behaviour is part of a plan to improve his
public image.
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