February 2019 – Ashley Cole

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole believes Andrew Robertson can be considered as the best left-back in the current Premier League campaign owing to his tireless workrate on both ends of the field. The Scotland international has only been with the Reds for the past 19 months but during this period, he has transformed into one of the most consistent defenders in the top-flight.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Cole praised the qualities of the former Hull City defender and said that the Scotsman can be regarded as the most consistent performer from the left side of the backline, he said: “He’s been brilliant. I think he’s definitely been the best left-back in the Premier League this season. His work rate, how he gets up and down and with five assists already I think he’s only going to get better.”

Ashley Cole highlights Andrew Robertson as the Premier League’s best left-back this season

Despite this, “there have been question marks regarding the defender’s defending with just seven fouls committed this term“ but Cole’s compatriot Jamie Carragher has not been impressed with the needless statistic brought to the fore, he said: “When a defender has only one yellow card all season, when he’s only made this many fouls. Sometimes I think there’s nothing wrong with giving “someone a whack now“ and again or getting a yellow card. I’m not massively impressed when I hear those things.”

Liverpool have recently stumbled with back-to-back Premier League draws and this has reduced their advantage over Manchester City at the top to just three points. The Merseyside outfit are scheduled to face Bournemouth at Anfield in their next league game but before that, they could find themselves dropping to the second place on goal difference. The Citizens are scheduled to play a preponed game against Everton on Wednesday night and a victory would propel them to the top of the summit.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has handed a warning to West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice amid the potential prospect of switching his allegiance to England. The 19-year-old has spent his entire youth career with the Republic but he has yet to make a decision to commit to them for the long-term.

Speaking to reporters, McCarthy warned the youngster from choosing England over them, given manager Gareth Southgate has plans to play him at the heart of the defence rather than his preferred midfield position. He added that Rice would also struggle for gametime amid the competition from an extended pool and is optimistic that the teenager will choose them.

Mick McCarthy hands warning to West Ham United midfielder

He said: “I spoke to Gareth and he saw him as a centre-back. “I thought because he’s not playing there at the moment“, he wouldn’t be in there (England squad) in front of the ones already in there, plus he’s not been in their youth system and come through like he was with ours and Gareth Southgate was running theirs for a long time. I want him playing in the position he is now at West Ham, for now and see where he develops. I think “he saw himself initially“ as a centre-half but then he is enjoying midfield. I’d like a decision at some stage.”

Under Pellegrini, Rice has settled into a holding role for the Hammers this term and this has paid dividends with a number of standout performances. Moreover, he has sorted out his future by penning a new long-term contract and things appear rosy for the youngster with the Hammers, provided he remains grounded and committed to the cause.
West Ham recently secured a rare 1-0 triumph over Arsenal in the London derby and the match witnessed Rice score his maiden Premier League goal. The victory has propelled the Hammers to the ninth position on the standings for the moment with 31 points on the board.