Ancelotti hails Cole as world's best

CARLO ANCELOTTI has hailed Ashley Cole as the finest left back in the world and the Chelsea manager believes the controversial defender is a role model for all aspiring footballers.

While no English player was on the shortlist of 23 nominees for the Fifa Ballon d’Or, Ancelotti said Cole is the king of his position and bears comparison with all-time sporting greats.

“Everyone can see that Ashley Cole is the best left back in the world,” Ancelotti said. “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.

“In his career (Paolo) Maldini deserved to win the award but the only reason he didn’t was that he was a defender. (Cole) played with extraordinary quality for us last season, both defensively and when scoring goals and making assists. And he can run for much more than 90 minutes: he is a light man, his weight is 65 kilos, and his endurance is really fantastic – he is like the great Sebastian Coe.”

Cole’s acrimonious yet lucrative move to Chelsea in 2005 led to accusations of greed and arrogance from many Arsenal fans. Cole is still greeted with derision at most away grounds and his status as one of the Premier League’s most unpopular players has been reinforced by media condemnations of his private life during his recent divorce from Cheryl Cole.

But Ancelotti has repeatedly made it clear he has no interest in policing players’ activities away from the pitch and judges them solely on how well they perform their jobs, saying that, if others restricted themselves to the same criterion, they would agree that Cole is a man to be admired, not vilified.

“It is a pleasure for every coach to work with this kind of player because you will never get problems with them,” Ancelotti said.

“He is highly motivated, a very good player and a very good professional. I think maybe he did not live so well (during his divorce proceedings) but he maintained good control of himself as a character. He never brought any problems inside the training ground. 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 yet 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 at Tottenham Hotspur in March 2008. Cole later apologised for his “lack of respect” that night and promised to display more composure on the pitch.

He 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. “He is a strong character and, if there is unpopularity, I think maybe it motivates him,” Ancelotti said.

Guardian Service