Wayne Bridge explains what made Chelsea legend Ashley Cole one of the best left-backs ever, ‘he was unreal’…

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Chelsea are fortunate enough to have had some top-class full-backs throughout their history, including Ashley Cole.

Retired defender Ashley Cole, 44, enjoyed a stellar career for both club and country. This included an eight-year spell at Chelsea between 2006 and 2014.

The English left-back is included in Chelsea’s best transfer bargains after he was signed from Arsenal for £5m and William Gallas.

Chelsea’s great team of the 2000s is remembered for the spine of Petr Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. You can add Cole into that core group as well of world-class players shining on a weekly basis, too.

• READ MORE: Ashley Cole recalls former Chelsea player was ‘scary’ good in his first training session, he left after two years

Wayne Bridge hails Chelsea great Ashley Cole as one of the best ever left-backs

Wayne Bridge, who competed for the full-back position at Chelsea with Cole, claims that his former teammate is in the conversation for the best left-back ever.

When discussing Chelsea legend Cole, Bridge told The Dressing Room Podcast: “He was unreal, though. He was probably one of the best left-backs. You’d probably say he’s up there with one of the best left-backs, if not the best left-back ever.

“Do you know what I thought he was so good at? His timing and tackling. The timing of his tackling was brilliant in getting the ball.”

Without a doubt, Bridge was an excellent left-back in his own right. He played at Chelsea between 2003 and 2009, but he was just unfortunate that he ended up competing with Cole for a starting position during the second half of his Blues career.

Speaking back in 2020, Manchester United star Luke Shaw admitted he idolised Cole. We’re pretty certain that the Chelsea hero inspired an entire generation of left-backs in England.

Ashley Cole inducted into the National Football Museum’s hall of fame this week

On Wednesday, Chelsea and England icon Cole was inducted into the National Football Musuem’s hall of fame, with a special presentation taking place at St. George’s Park.

Speaking about the award, Cole said via England’s official website: “It’s good, whenever you retire and reflect on the career you’ve had, you look at the ups and downs, the knockbacks, rejections and disappointments, but to get recognised with this I’m very honoured and humbled by it…”

Cole currently works within the FA as the assistant manager of England’s Under-21s side.

Joe Cole recently tipped Ashley Cole for management, suggesting he’d be a great option for Scottish giants Rangers.