Upon his departure from Arsenal to Chelsea, after infamously rejecting a £55,000 a week contract to remain with the Gunners, Cole has developed his defensive game to become the best LB in the WORLD. Yes, the WORLD. Forget about Patrice Evra and Eric Abidal, Ashley Cole is in another league. Can dribble like a LW, cross like LM, and still defend like a LB.
But Leighton Baines, possibly, has matched him this season. Being linked with a move to Manchester United and Tottenham, Baines has proven himself to be the best LB in the Premier League this season.
Or has he?
Assists
Ashley Cole helped out his team mates 6 times last season.
Leighton Baines made 2 assists last season.
1-0 Ashley Cole opens the scoring
Ashley Cole made 80 tackles in the 2011/2012 season.
Leighton Baines made 57 tackles in the 2011/2012 season.
2-0 Ashley Cole doubles the lead
Interceptions
Ashley Cole broke up 50 attacks by his opponent.
Leighton Baines broke up 65 attacks by his opponent.
2-1 Baines grabs a goal back
Fouls
Ashley Cole made 31 fouls last season.
Leighton Baines made 31 fouls last season.
3-2 Two goals in quick succession from each side
Accuracy of Crosses
Out of the 76 crosses Ashley Cole made, 17 of them were accurate. 22%
Out of the 242 crosses Leighton Baines made, 67 of them were accurate. 28%
3-3 Leighton Baines scores a late leveller
So, stats-wise, Leighton Baines has matched the exploits of Ashley Cole in the 2011/12 season.
No comments:
Post a Comment