Joe Cole Still Eager To Impress At Liverpool, But Has His Ship Already Sailed?

Alan Duffy

16th, August 2012

15 Comments

By Alan Duffy

Ever the envelope-pusher, Cole introduces his new ‘blowing the ball’ skillz

From lightweight, free-thinking dribbling genius at West Ham to stocky, underachieving Mourinho-bot at Chelsea to forgotten man at Liverpool, the career of talented schemer Joe Cole hasn’t really gone according to plan. Loaned out to Ligue 1 side Lille last season, the former England man is now back at Anfield and ready to impress new boss Brendan Rodgers. Cole, who has now recovered from a minor injury suffered in the Europa League recently, said:

“It’s good to be back around the squad and available for selection again. I’ve only missed two weeks, so I feel good fitness-wise as we had a good long pre-season and I just need some games now.”

“I’ve had a good pre-season. I’ve trained really well and the training was really intense. I really enjoyed the games we played in and playing at Fenway Park was great. I enjoyed the pre-season. It does what it says on the tin – it gets you fit and that’s the main thing.”

However, despite his positive outlook, one wonders if the 30-year-old (how time flies) really does have much of a future at Anfield? With Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard all vying for the creative midfield and wide positions, will the former Hammer get a look in?

I think he still has something to offer at the highest level. But I’m a gobshite. What do you think?