Time Up For Cole? Why Chelsea Star May Need To Rethink Future At Both Club And Country

Ashley Cole's future at Chelsea and England seems to be in doubt. The former Arsenal man has featured only 20 times this season for the Blues while Mourinho has preferred the make shift left- back Azpilicueta; and to be fair it has paid dividends.

This season Cole has been a shadow of the player that we have all seen over the years. But let's face it, this has been coming for a while. Earlier on in the season, away to Everton, Cole's frailties were shown. With a passing accuracy of 78% and only one clearance made, Cole has shown his failure to compensate for his advancing age.

It is understandable that the level of performance of a 33-year-old won't be the same as it was a couple years ago, but when you have a player playing in your position that is younger, fitter and hungrier than you, does he really want to waste away sitting on the bench waiting for an opportunity?

 If Cole isn't playing  regularly let alone playing well, there is no chance his International career can continue. At the moment Leighton Baines is England's number one left-back and in my eyes is guaranteed to be in Brazil, it leaves a place for one more left back, with the likes of Kieran Gibbs, Luke Shaw and even the Chelsea youngster Ryan Bertrand to choose from.

All are playing regularly for their teams, which leaves the question -has Cole done enough to be on that plane to Brazil? If Cole is to be preferred, the only possible explanation that can be justified for his selection is his experience, which is about the only thing he has over the other three.      

Cole will turn 34 this year. How many years of playing at the top level has he realistically got left? Especially playing a modern day full back role. Mourinho has expressed his wishes to keep the England international and has even come out describing Cole as the 'Perfect Player', yet plays a converted right-back in front of him.

In Europe, Cole is still regarded as one of the top defenders in the world despite his age. With the physicality of the English game, a move away for Cole may be a better option for him to play regular football and maybe even play on for longer.

However one thing is sure, if Cole does somehow make it on that plane to Brazil, his England days are numbered.

By Morteza Hemati

 @footi_critic

Comments

[Juan DeMarco]

Ye i agree Ashley Cole is looking like a shadow of his formerself, however, I believe a change of environment(club) will do him a world of good, he still has a lot to offer and fitness wise he can play for a few years. As for England, Ashley has to be on the plane, he is one of the few worldclass we have, his experience will be needed. Anyway, would welcome him to United after Evra's departure at the end of the season.