Joe Cole Chelsea

One of Chelsea’s six current England internationals, Joe's second season at Stamford Bridge was one of major progress and genuine achievement.

His first had seen a healthy run of games out wide but it remained unclear what his best position was or how his tricky ball-skills could be used to dangerous effect without harming the team's overall shape. A year later the answers were a lot more clear.

A born Londoner, he watched Chelsea as a boy from the stands but it was to West Ham he went as a junior where the spotlight found him at a ridiculously early age. This was due in part to his showings for England youth but also had much to do with a reported interest from a Alex Ferguson.

However Joe remained at Upton Park where his much awaited career began gently before it was halted altogether by a broken leg. On his return he progressed steadily to become a club regular and an occasional face for England.

A determined attitude won him the West Ham captaincy in the ‘02/’03 season but his spirit was not enough to prevent relegation — making a transfer away inevitable for the good of his career and the Hammers' finances. Chelsea paid £6.6 million.

Joe was part of the England squad for the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 and on his return from the latter he was given a run of games by José Mourinho as part of an attacking three. With the return to fitness of Damien Duff and Arjen Robben, his chances became more limited and mostly from the bench but he weighed in with some crucial, match-winning goals as Chelsea's championship season grew in momentum.

A fresh opportunity presented itself when Robben was further injured and Joe grabbed it with the best form of his career, employing his skills intelligently. He was named Premiership Player of the Month for March 2005 and drew special praise for the way he had matured from England manager Sven Goran Eriksson. At international level, Joe has become the favoured answer to the perennial left-side question.

The 2005 Carling Cup Final brought his first senior winners' medal before the Premiership title was added. Mourinho had instructed and Joe had listened well. The 2005/6 season continues with goals and more managerial praise. Joe has developed into a key Chelsea player.

source: www.chelseafc.com

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