Three players that could fill Ashley Cole’s void at Chelsea

With defenderAshley Cole confirming that he is set to leave Chelseaafter eight seasons at Stamford Bridge, his departure will undoubtedly leave a void at the club.Although manager Jose Mourinho has largely preferred Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta on the left-flank of the Blues defence throughout the season, the lack of the Englishmans presence will still be felt.During his pomp few would argue that the 33-year-old was amongst the best in the world in his position and, much to Arsenal fans annoyance, he has devoted the best years of his career to the west Londoners.Fellow veteran John Terry has been retained, but Cole will now look to start a new chapter in his career, although he is unlikely to be short of offers domestically or abroad.Chelsea themselves have plenty of options to explore in regards to finding a long term replacement for the much maligned defender.The modern full-back plays a critical role in the team and often has to defend capably but also provide verve to the attack.In Mourinhos system there is no room for passengers and he will be on the lookout for a new addition that can either instantly challenge or take Azpilicuetas place in the first team.Squawka looks at three men that could step up and take the reins from Chelseas number three.

#1 Ricardo Rodriguez

Wolfsburg may have narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot by a single point, but it will surely not be long before Rodriguez lines up for a side in the competition.

The Zurich born Switzerland international was an ever present during the 2013/14 season and it is not difficult to see why he has become one of the most coveted players on the continent.

The 21-year-old created the third most chances in the Bundesliga with a total of 77, including nine assists, which is a staggering statistic for a full-back. Clearly he enjoys pushing forward as he also found the net on five occasions and completed 87 take-ons, two more than Arjen Robben.

He has carved out a reputation as an exciting, attack minded full-back but he can also contain his opposite number. Rodriguez may not be the finished article and ready to slot straight into the team, but he is set to develop quickly and now is the time to buy.

#2 Filipe Luis

The Atletico Madrid full-back may have been a surprising omission from Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazilian World Cup squad, but the indignity of such a high profile snub will not harm his reputation across this continent.

The 28-year-old has become an integral member of Atleti’s defensive uni throughout the campaign, which culminated in the La Liga title following a 1-1 draw with Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Luis completed 107 tackles over the course of the season, the third highest total of any player in Spain’s top tier and he would be able to slot onto the left-flank immediately given his age and experiences.

However, he is of a similar mould to Azpilicueta in that he is solid yet unspectacular. If team mates Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois join the Blues, he could look favourably on the possibility of a move.

#3 Alberto Moreno

The 21-year-old Spaniard has earned rave reviews for his performances for Unai Emery’s side and equipped himself well during the recent Europa League final victory over the a cursed Benfica outfit.

His evening began in bullish fashion when he upended Miralem Sulejmani but he proceeded to calm down and produce a composed performance in the biggest game of his short career.

Domestically his has proven that he has a keen eye for a goal, with three well taken efforts finished crisply with his wand of a left foot.

Moreno’s outstanding displays have seen him included in Spain’s World Cup squad and while he remains a cheap option at present, that could swiftly change if he is given a chance to shine in South America.

His performances have not gone unnoticed by Real Madrid and Chelsea would face strict competition for his signature.