Why Cole MUST Step Up Against Atletico Madrid This Evening

Ashley Cole has established himself as one of the most able left-backs in the Premier League in his career, but has found himself warming the bench for the majority of this season. It is unfamiliar territory for the left-back; he has been a major part of every side he has ever played for, but tonight he looks ready to be reinstated into his full-back slot.

Chelsea take on Atletico Madrid this evening, and with Branislav Ivanovic suspended, we can only assume that Mourinho will swap Cesar Azpilicueta to right-back and stick Cole on the left.

Although there are only a number of games until the end of the season, Cole must step up.

The 33-year-old has made just 12 starts in the league this season and three in the Champions League, but between the two competitions he has averaged 2.3 tackles per game.

Tonight he will be up against a lethal Atletico Madrid attack who have fired the capital club to the top of La Liga, and Cole will need to stay focused to help contain them.

The fixture also gives him the opportunity to prove to Roy Hodgson that he can still cut it against the best ahead of this summer’s World Cup.