Cole Vs Baines: The Everton Man Wins The Battle Against Chelsea Veteran For A World Cup Spot

Ashley Cole vs Leighton Baines: The duel is on for England’s left back slot in World Cup 2014

Who will start in the left back slot for England in the World Cup, due to be held in Brazil in four months? As the race for a starting eleven spot hots up between Chelsea’s Ashley Cole and Everton’s Leighton Baines, today we here at Soccersouls decided to solve Roy Hodgson’s conundrum by providing the answer to the question which fans all around England are waiting for.

1. Appearances this season and current form

Whereas the marauding Everton full back has figured in 21 matches this season, Ashely Cole has fallen out of favour at Chelsea as Jose Mourinho persists with Spaniard Cesare Azpilicueta who has been the epitome of consistency over the course of time. The 33 year old Chelsea man last started for Chelsea in the FA Cup victory against Stoke City on January 26^th and also played the first half against Denmark in England’s 1-0 win at Wembley, but Hodgson has ascertained that Cole must play between now and the end of the season if he were to be on the flight to the World Cup.

Baines on the other hand has been an integral part as always for Roberto Martinez’s men and it would be befitting to say that his style of play has evolved under the new manager. The 29 year old has scored three goals this season, but more importantly is at the heart of every move for the Blues from Merseyside, creating 31 goal scoring chances and has hit the net thrice this season. Cole on the other hand has created only 10 scoring chances and has failed to hit the back of the net even once this season.

2. Direct defensive comparison

 According to stats, both of the left backs have an average defensive action of 4 times per match, thus saving his side as many times in case of danger. Both also have an average successful passing percentage of 88% meaning they rarely give away the ball. However the deciding factor comes when it is musters to the average duel won head on. While the Chelsea man wins less than half of the tackles he is involved in, which stands at 46%, Baines wins 61% of his head on duels.

3. Value to starting eleven

While Cole has more international experience, he lacks match fitness currently whereas Baines under Martinez has evolved from just a marauding left back to a more complete player. The Everton man no longer provides direct assists but has been more at the heart of moves leading to goals, playing out from the back. Moreover Baines adds more value to the team being adept from set pieces whereas Cole tends to get away from the game if he is having a bad day on the pitch.

So who will start for the Three Lions in Brazil? While it comes to experience, Cole edges it, but going on recent form and adding more value to the team, it should be Baines who gets to play his maiden World Cup in national colors.