Ancelotti: Benayoun smarter than Cole

04 August 2010 16:30
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Yossi Benayoun is tactically smarter than England international Joe Cole. Ancelotti signed Israeli Benayoun from Liverpool to replace Cole, who moved in the opposite direction after being released by Chelsea earlier in the summer. Over the last three seasons, Opta statistics show Benayoun scored more goals (18-11) and created more chances (116-77) than Cole. Ancelotti last season described Cole as "a genius" but he today suggested Benayoun has a greater understanding of team ethics. "He is an intelligent player, tactically he knows everything very well," the Italian told Chelseafc.com. "I tried to put him as a right midfielder in this pre-season and he can also play in his usual position as a winger. I think for us he is a good player to play because tactically he is very intelligent."

Source: PA