Sidwell lauds Cole as best

17 October 2009 12:01
Steve Sidwell has hailed Ashley Cole as the best left-back in the world ahead of Aston Villa's clash with Chelsea Villa midfielder Sidwell ditched the Blues to join Martin O'Neill's side in 2008 after an uninspiring term at Stamford Bridge and the former Reading man is keen to get one over his former suitors. The £5.5 million signing expects to give Carlo Ancelotti's side a tough ride in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, but the 26-year-old has heaped praise onto his former team-mate Cole, who has been in sparkling form this season. "Ashley for me is the best left-back in the world," Sidwell said in The Daily Star. "He's been through a tough time with the public but he seems to be winning them over a bit now. "Getting booed by England fans must have been a low point for him but he is a strong character." Cole has not enjoyed the best of public opinions since his lucrative move to Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006, but Sidwell insists the defender's life does not revolve around commanding a huge bank-balance. "People who know him know that the 'Cashley' thing is all rubbish," he added. "He's not money-driven. Actually he's a very generous person who just loves his football." "I'm sure he has learned from his mistakes and these must be very exciting times for him and his missus. I'm pleased for him." But Sidwell will leave his admiration in the Villa Park dressing room this weekend in a fixture that Blues supporters never look forward to. "Chelsea fans dread coming to Villa Park," he said. "We're a bit of a bogey side to them. It should be a good game."

Source: SKY_Sports