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Chelsea FC: Greatest XI from the Roman Abramovich era

By Christopher Godfrey

LONDON - SEPTEMBER 13: Frank Lampard of Chelsea celebrates scoring the first goal with Arjen Robbenduring the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Chelsea and RSC Anderlecht at Stamford Bridge on September 13, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Radford/Getty Images)
LONDON - SEPTEMBER 13: Frank Lampard of Chelsea celebrates scoring the first goal with Arjen Robbenduring the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Chelsea and RSC Anderlecht at Stamford Bridge on September 13, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Radford/Getty Images) /
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CARDIFF, WALES – MAY 11: Ashley Cole of Chelsea gives a thumbs up to the fans at the end of the match during the Barclays Premier League match between Cardiff City and Chelsea at Cardiff City Stadium on May 11, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES – MAY 11: Ashley Cole of Chelsea gives a thumbs up to the fans at the end of the match during the Barclays Premier League match between Cardiff City and Chelsea at Cardiff City Stadium on May 11, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Left-Back: Ashley Cole- 2006-2014

Ashley Cole is considered by many as one of the best left-backs to have graced the game.

Cole started out at playing for Arsenal before the infamous swap deal happened in 2006 whereby Chelsea’s William Gallas went to Arsenal along with some cash in exchange for Cole. Ashley Cole was criticized by Arsenal fans as being a ‘mercenary’ and was only after the cash. But Cole proved them wrong when he said he wanted to win more trophies.

Arsenal had faded off since their earlier Premier League domination in the early 00’s and perhaps Cole rightly saw the writing on the wall in terms of Arsenals’ future.

He made the right decision coming to Chelsea then.

Cole won every major trophy available at Chelsea including the coveted Champions League cup.

The Englishman was known for his great attacking prowess as a left-back as he constantly ran forward on the wings supporting the strikers. He improved his defensive side of the game when he went to Chelsea and was known for his many goal line clearances and overall defending abilities. In-fact, Cristiano Ronaldo once said that Cole was the ‘toughest’ defender he faced in the Premier League.

He had amazing stamina as well as he frequently got forward and managed to track back to defend. He was a wingers worst nightmare when they faced him due to his speed, stamina and athletic tackling ability.

Cole played for eight seasons at Chelsea and made a total of 338 appearances for the Blues.

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