The Cole Conundrum

What to do with Joe Cole? Hailed in the summer as the signing of the season, he has so far failed to perform. Although his game time has been limited by injuries and suspension, his time on the pitch has been less then spectacular. There is no doubt of his effort though, which is clear for all to see. This failure to live up to expectations is caused by many aspects.

When Joe Cole signed for Liverpool, it was not for the money, or the chance to live on merseyside, but for first team football, a chance to regain his place in the England team and also a chance to play in his favoured playmaker role. Despite Cole's undoubted ability and determination, he is injury prone and occasionally tempermental. During his best days in the West Ham team, he had a free role, able to roam about the pitch and influence the game. Steven Gerrard has the same role in the Liverpool team when they are playing well. In no successful team in the world do two similar players have a free role as they tend to come in and out of games. Joe Cole is usually deployed on the left-wing, which does not suit his abilities and he is not effective. He naturally cuts inside, leaving us without width on the left flank.

There is a solution to this positional problem, in which the new Liverpool team is to be built around Joe Cole, and other players to play around him. Cole is not nearly as dynamic as Gerrard, who can change a game instantly, and can also play all over midfield. The problem with Joe Cole as the focal point of our team is that he is injury prone and would leave a gaping hole in this absence. His injury record speaks for itself.

Although i am enjoying having this problem of having to many quality players, Joe will not be happy to warm the bench for long. His is on high wages which could be redistributed throughout the squad. I am not in favour of selling him, but to give him another season and then consider our options. I am hopeful that Joe will prove us all wrong and become a huge player for us, and a new formation will fit all of our stars in. I would like to wish Joe all the best in the future!

You'll Never Walk Alone!