Joey Barton reveals Chelsea loanee Harvey Vale reminds him of young Ashley Cole
According to Joey Barton, Harvey Vale, a Chelsea loanee, reminds him of a young Ashley Cole in terms of playing style. Currently, Vale is on loan at Bristol Rovers.
Cole, who moved to Chelsea from Arsenal in the past, became an undisputed left-back at the club. Since his departure, the Blues have struggled to find a consistent left-back like him.
Finally, it seems they may have found a left-back in their academy with a similar playing style. This prospect is currently on loan at League One’s Bristol Rovers.
However, Harvey Vale has played as a left-back in the last two games, a 3-0 victory over Port Vale and a 2-1 loss to Oxford United, despite his natural position being an attacking midfielder.
Meanwhile, this season, Chelsea’s left-back position has been occupied by Levi Colwill, who is preferred over Ben Chilwell by Mauricio Pochettino.
Marc Cucurella, who has rarely played as a left-back, has been used as a right-back in the last three games due to Malo Gusto’s suspension and Reece James’ injury.
If Vale continues to impress under Barton, there’s a possibility he could be part of Pochettino’s team next season. Barton believes they have a left-back in the mold of Ashley Cole. Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, he said,, (h/t Football.London)
“The two games he’s played in there from the start, I think he’s looked like a young Ashley Cole; he looks like he’s played there forever.”
However, it’s important to remember that comparing Vale to Cole at this stage might be premature. Cole’s achievements at Chelsea are remarkable. Vale, at just 20 years old, has a long career ahead of him. If he aspires to emulate Cole’s Chelsea career, he will need to commit himself to the West London club and maintain consistency throughout his playing career.
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When Vale returns to Chelsea for the upcoming campaign, Pochettino’s plans for him remain uncertain. Barton has brought out the best in him as a left-back, but it’s possible that the Argentine manager may use him in an attacking midfield role.