Joe Cole has named the experienced Premier League star he thinks would’ve been a great signing for Chelsea this season.
A frequent observation of the Chelsea squad right now is that it’s lacking in leaders and experience. Unfortunately, it’s hard to argue anything different.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca has been working with the youngest group in the entire Premier League.
| Club | Average Age |
| Chelsea | 23.5 |
| Brighton | 24.3 |
| Tottenham | 24.7 |
It’s interesting that co-owner Todd Boehly wants a mix in Chelsea’s squad of both youth and experience. At this moment in time, there is no outfield player in the squad over the age of 30.
- READ MORE: Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella explains that he’s being urged to become more of a leader
Joe Cole claims Chelsea should have signed someone like Danny Welbeck
Joe Cole has stressed the importance of know-how and experience in any dressing room.
During a discussion about Chelsea, Cole told TNT Sports: “Don’t disregard the importance of having experienced players in with those young players teaching them the ropes on the pitch to get to that potential.”
Afterwards, Cole made the interesting claim that the Blues should have signed someone like Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, 34, to help them this season.
He added: “Someone like a Danny Welbeck. It would’ve been insane to go and sign him at 33/34, by the way he’s scored more goals than any Chelsea centre-forward, so on the pitch technically it would work. Him as a player that’s done it all, good lad, who could set the culture. That’s just one that springs off the top of my mind.”
Even though he’s in his mid-thirties, Welbeck has lead the line superbly well for Brighton this season. The Seagulls centre-forward has seven goals in 23 Premier League appearances to date.
The former England international definitely has the type of experience that would be so useful for Chelsea’s young squad.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
| Brighton | 152 | 34 | 12 | 0 |
| Manchester United | 142 | 29 | 16 | 8 |
| Arsenal | 126 | 32 | 13 | 3 |
| Sunderland | 28 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Watford | 20 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Preston | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
It’s been claimed that Chelsea can afford a ‘major acquisition’ in the striker position this season. We’re not saying that the Blues should go after veteran forward Welbeck, but it would be great to see an individual arrive with a serious CV behind him.
Joleon Lescott argues Chelsea should have kept Raheem Sterling for his experience
During the TNT Sports video above, Joleon Lescott claimed that Chelsea would have been much smarter keeping Raheem Sterling at the club this year rather than sending him on a season-long loan to Arsenal.
Lescott said: “There’s no one with enough experience that everyone will listen to [them]. Even Raheem, you don’t let Raheem go. You don’t say go and play for Arsenal because I don’t want you to play for us. Raheem I need you to do this, this is your role for this season.
“This generation look at Raheem way different to the fans. This generation really look up to him. He’s done it, and they know he’s done it. They missed a trick with letting players like that go.”
Sterling, 30, would have been the oldest outfield player in the Chelsea squad if he had stayed put this season. Instead, the English winger is a mentor to the rising stars coming through at Arsenal.
The fact that Sterling was desperate to leave Chelsea last summer means perhaps his exit was for the best.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
