Scouting for Chelsea: 3 possible replacements for left-back Ashley Cole

As I write this, Chelsea are a goal up against Swansea at Stamford Bridge and looking good to hold on for yet another home win under Jose Mourinho. As the game withers on, the more I believe Ashley Cole’s time is well and truly over and is past his sell by date by a country mile. Recent form suggests that he is no longer the rock in the left back position as he once was and Jose Mourinho would want a new left back who can fill in his starting eleven place in the side.

What Chelsea need is someone who is equally capable of defending in the left flank and also is willing to run the extra mile for his team. As Mourinho looks to his options come the January Transfer window, which is imminent in a matter of days, we here at Soccersouls provide Mourinho the options to choose from in the Transfer Market.

1. Fabio Coentrao

The Portuguese has fallen down the pecking order for the Spanish Giants Real Madrid, thanks to Marcelo inspired run of form over the past season and this running campaign as well. So, Coentrao will surely find Chelsea as more than an attractive option. Moreover he would also love to get on the pitch and give himself more game time ahead of next year’s showcase World Cup in Brazil.

While the fiscal ramification for Coentrao is still unknown, Mourinho albeit his cash available and the need to strengthen his squad for a major title challenge in the second half of the season.

2. Luke Shaw

Talking of Luke Shaw, the 18-year-old left back has shown immense maturity beyond his years with a calm head and demonstrates superb game reading ability on his young shoulders. Whether it’s charging down the left and overlapping the wingers or performing his defensive duties, Shaw is the heart of this Saints team who are having a wonderful season so far.

Shaw also demonstrates admirable calmness and his knack of outrageous passing has so far caught the eye with an average passing accuracy of about 80%, that’s like placing four passes correctly in a scale of five. With more than eight clearances and equal number of key passes building up to goals, he has caught the eye of big names in England and Chelsea remains his most likely destination.

3. Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta’s performance in the last few matches have been more than brilliant. The Spaniard who is naturally a right back has drafted well in the left back spot thanks to his interception skills and dynamism on the ball.

Azpilicueta’s energy will also be pivotal in games where the scoreline will be defined by the thinnest of margins and this is where his youthful exuberance and crossing abilities will prove decisive. Why look else where when this guy is around? But, still for a long term purpose, Chelsea should sign a left back.