The 'Alien-headed' one takes over England (Ashley Cole)

Member Name: Jonny Crossdresser

Product:	Ashley Cole
Date:	09/09/01 (33 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: He's not that bad, Can attack, Has an alien-head

Disadvantages: He's not that good either, Can't defend, Isn't an alien

I'm going to have to go against the flow on this matter. I think Ashley Cole lacks the slightest bit of defensive knowledge, shown perfectly in the two England internations this week where he was abysmal and should have gifted Albania the lead with a clumsy needless kick in the box.

On the attack he is as good as Silvinho. He can run past players with ease at times (i.e. against players with the pace of Peter Beardsley), but is a little too predictable. When he gets near the touchline he seems unable to put in good crosses for Henry to feed on. He's no Phil Neville in that respect!

He would be a key candidate in a wing-back system where defensive awareness is not so much of a neccessity. However, the 4-4-2 formation is preferred by most and Cole looks out of place at left back. Silvinho could defend... a bit anyway, which is still a bit more than Cole.

As you may have guessed with the reference to Lord Phil - leader of men, I support Man U. When we beat Arsenal last season, it was due much to their weak back line, comprising of Grimandi, Vivas (probably), Cole and some waster on the right. In particular was the way Beckham dominated the right flank over Ashley Cole. Now Beckham is world class, but England will come up against such opposition in the World Cup finals and we need someone more suitable than Cole.

Now Phil Neville is the obvious choice, with his precise tackles, long-range passing and thunderous piledrives he would scare any international manager... however, some may not agree. Therefore Stuart Pearce should be allowed out of the old folks home to take back the place that he so rightfully deserves. Oh, if only Silvestre was English...

Ashley Cole can only get better, simply because he can't get much worse! Still, he shall improve and maybe he will earn a place in the England side of the future... but only when phsyco takes early retirement at 55. When Cole learns to defend, he could
be as good as Phil.

Summary: