Which of the Arsenal or Chelsea youngsters should be Ashley Cole’s long term successor at international level?
This time two years ago were contrasting times for England’s fledging fullbacks in question, as Kieran Gibbs had just won his first England cap at the age of 20 against Hungary, off the back of an impressive pre-season at Arsenal.
Meanwhile Ryan Bertrand of Chelsea was gearing himself up for his fifth loan deal in as many years, with Nottingham Forest the temporary destination for the then 21 year old after successful deals at Norwich and Reading previously. But when Forest wanted to make that deal permanent in January Chelsea were never even near to selling him.
They knew the potential the boy had and now he is starting to show it.
This season is a defining one for the future of England’s left back position. Leighton Baines was voted the best left back in the Premier League last season whilst Ashley Cole shows no sign of deterioration as he gets older but eventually these two youngsters will have to be given their chance.
But is there room for both of them and if not, who will get the nod?
It is tough to choose between the two; Ryan Bertrand is really starting to show signs of the progression he made on his loan deals. He impressed at the Olympics in his GB bow, made his debut for England against Italy, scored his first Chelsea goal in the Community Shield and started the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, which of course ended in a famous triumph.
Kieran Gibbs has unfortunately had a series of injuries to contend with since breaking his foot in a tackle with Standard Liege’s Eliaquim Mangala in 2009 since then suffering recurring foot problems and a hernia issue but last season was his most prolific appearance wise, making 16 league appearances and even bagging his first goal for the club in March.
With Gibbs fit and expected to fill the left back slot permanently this season he may have the nudge on Bertrand, who still finds himself behind the imperious Cole for that position, but the Chelsea players versatility and ability on the left wing gives him the added bonus of extra strings to his bow.
In the future of English left backs lies another selection battle as Gibbs and Bertrand, who are separated by little over a month in age, will fight it out for years to come. With youngsters such as Southampton’s Luke Shaw, Liverpool’s Jack Robinson and Everton’s Luke Garbutt coming through behind them, it seems left back is not a position we should need to worry about in the international future.
But who do you prefer; Gibbs or Bertrand?
Which youngster will be Cole’s England successor
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