English Premier League: Ancelloti brands Cole as best left back in world, Bruce denies Henderson price tag
If there was a player who emerged with some dignity out of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa while playing for England, it was Ashley Cole. Over the past decade, Cole has thrived at his left back position, a role that he has
become quite adept at. Ancelloti, his club manager has come out and said that the former Arsenal man is one of the best left backs in world football at the moment. Cole’s confidence must’ve taken a hike after such appreciative comments from a manager which
has seen the lies of Paulo Maldini and Costacurta in action.
Ancelloti said, “Every year it is difficult for a defender to be on the Ballon d'Or list because usually it's strikers or midfielders in there – but I can say Ashley Cole is the best left back in the world, I think for some years
Paolo Maldini deserved to win the award but he didn't because he's a defender. It's the same with Ashley." Cole had a tough start to his Chelsea career as he was a subject of a high profile move from Arsenal to Chelsea.
However, since then he has tried to win over the Blues’ through his consistent performances at the left back spot. Ashley also played at the left back spot for England in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Last season, the defender won his
first English Premier League title with Chelsea after Carlo Ancelloti’s team finished just a point ahead of Manchester United in the 2009-2010 Premier league season.
Ancelloti remarked on Cole’s move from Arsenal and his career since then at the Stamford Bridge by stating, “He was able to move on, he maintained a very good control of himself as a character. He never brought the problem to the
training ground. I don't know if he's unpopular but everyone who knows football appreciates his football. His play is very good, he never shouts against the ref, never a bad tackle, he respects the opponent. On the pitch he's an example."
Speaking about his team’s chances in the English Premier League, Ancelotti added, "We are five clear so it's very important to maintain this gap. Everyone – Man City, Man United and Arsenal – are interested in our result. If we win
we can improve our confidence and we give disappointment to the other teams at the same time." Carlo also spoke to his heart’s content about reports that have suggested recently that the Italian is bound to be replaced by Barcelona’s manager, Pep Guardiola
at Stamford Bridge after the 2010-2011 season. The ex-A.C Milan manager spoke to the press in humorous mood as he said that “How do I react? I smile. I think it's not true. But can you ask Abramovich, also, for me?"
On the other hand, Steve Bruce has also got his hands full as he takes up the tough task of holding onto his young midfielder Jordan Henderson. Jordan’s form in the 2010-2011 season has caught the eye of several big English clubs
in the English Premier League. However, Steve Bruce, the ex-Manchester United defender has said that there is no way that the club is selling the young midfielder.
He expressed, "I haven't put any price tag on anything. The only thing I know is that Jordan is an exceptional footballer and has got the world talking about him since he scored for the Under-21s in front of the England manager. The
speculation that he is going to be in the next England squad has had everybody talking about Jordan. We have known about him for about 18 months now. He is a fantastic player. I haven't put any price on his head at all, that would be ridiculous of me."
Tags: