Ashley Cole and Denis Irwin Rate Each Other as World Cup Winners
According to French World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit, former Manchester United full-back Denis Irwin deserves to be mentioned alongside the likes of Ashley Cole as one of the greatest full-backs of the Premier League era. Despite racking up an impressive trophy haul with United, Irwin is often overlooked in discussions about the best full-backs of his time.
Petit believes that Irwin's contributions were often underestimated during his career. He remembers Irwin as a great player, who was both aggressive and a good tactician. Irwin was also mentally strong and had a talent for set pieces, having scored numerous free kicks for both his country and club. Petit believes that Irwin's skills were underrated, and he should be remembered alongside other greats like Ashley Cole.
Petit acknowledges the respect he has for Cole but believes that Irwin should not be forgotten. Although he played in the same era as legends like Maldini and Roberto Carlos, Irwin's talents were noteworthy and deserving of recognition. Despite being overlooked, his legacy remains a reminder of his incredible skills and achievements as a full-back for Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, may have found his version of Ashley Cole in the form of youngster Josh Nichols. In a recent U18 match against West Bromwich Albion, Nichols was forced to play in midfield due to injuries but still managed to deliver an impressive performance, earning praise from experts. Nichols' adaptability is one of his greatest strengths, having already played 11 games for the U18 side despite being one of the youngest members of the team.
The youngster's offensive abilities are particularly impressive, much like Cole's playing style. Playing in midfield will give Nichols the chance to explore this part of the pitch and learn more about positioning and discipline. Just like Cole, Nichols exudes confidence and composure in his performances, which is a vital trait for any successful footballer.
With his versatility and attacking flair, Nichols has the potential to become a standout player for Arsenal in the future. Arteta's eye for talent may have unearthed a gem in the form of Josh Nichols, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop over the coming years. If he can emulate Ashley Cole's success, Nichols could be one of Arsenal's biggest stars in the years to come.