Joe Cole: Better than Messi

Well, at least if you are Steven Gerrard or a Liverpool fan (and maybe not even all of them).  

As if expectations for Joe Cole weren’t high enough this season, having been recruited to help salvage Liverpool from their “horror” season last year.  But, now he is expected to do it in Messi-style.  As quoted in the Guardian, here is what Gerrard had to say about Cole joining the club….

“[Lionel] Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe can do as well, if not better. He used to shock us in training by doing footy tricks with a golf ball that most players can’t even do with a football. I really fancy Joe for the [player of the year] award this season.”

But before Liverpool fans start counting their titles before they win them – I should probably point out that even a Messi needs a strong supporting cast (do I really need to go into how talented the Barcelona midfield is?)…and as talented as he is, Joe Cole has made a career of not living up to expectations.

But, who am I to try to interrupt this love-fest?  After all, its all part of the pre-season preparation to help Joe Cole be his very best.  I’m only wondering how Chelsea fans feel, having let a Messi-like talent leave (err…dropped)…for free?

To better judge Gerrard’s assessment of Joe Cole’s potential throughout the season, make sure to visit The Offside-Liverpool blog…

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Category: England, English Premier League, Europe, World Football