“I accept his the next” – Pochettino told Chelsea loanee is ‘the next Ashley Cole’
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the summer, the 19-year-old talent Vale embarked on a loan journey with Bristol Rovers, finding himself thrust into an unaccustomed left-back position, a deviation from his natural higher-pitched role. A skipper for England U19s during their triumph in the European Championship, he demonstrated his versatility by playing as a left-back during that pivotal tournament, showcasing his adaptability.
During his tenure in Chelsea’s academy, Vale primarily honed his skills as a winger or an attacking midfielder, but his versatility emerged as a prominent asset. Presently, within Barton’s defensive setup, he appears to have discovered a niche as the left element of the back four. Despite a 2-1 loss against Oxford, Vale exhibited excellence on the pitch.
The young loanee from Chelsea showcased his defensive prowess by winning five tackles and orchestrating two key passes and two dribbles, capturing attention in his role as a full-back. These displays in defense have garnered praise from Barton, the esteemed former midfielder of Manchester City, Newcastle, and QPR, who likened Vale to a youthful Ashley Cole. Barton commended Vale’s footballing intelligence, encompassing an impressive passing range, speed, and aerial prowess.
The question now emerges: is left-back Vale’s most optimal position? While Vale has frequently demonstrated his attacking prowess in Chelsea’s youth teams, a more defined and constrained role in League One has seemingly fostered his development. In the previous season, the 20-year-old showcased his offensive capabilities by securing three goals and four assists in 14 Premier League 2 appearances. This followed an early termination of his loan spell at Hull City due to limited playing opportunities. Notably, he has already netted his maiden goal for Bristol Rovers.
However, Barton firmly perceives the burgeoning English talent as a left-back, and this positional alteration has undeniably brought forth the zenith of Vale’s senior career thus far. Despite Chelsea boasting left-back options like Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and Ian Maatsen, potentially making a return to Stamford Bridge in that role challenging, Vale’s prowess and adaptability continue to captivate attention and prompt debates on his future trajectory in football.
In the summer, the 19-year-old talent Vale embarked on a loan journey with Bristol Rovers, finding himself thrust into an unaccustomed left-back position, a deviation from his natural higher-pitched role. A skipper for England U19s during their triumph in the European Championship, he demonstrated his versatility by playing as a left-back during that pivotal tournament, showcasing his adaptability.
During his tenure in Chelsea’s academy, Vale primarily honed his skills as a winger or an attacking midfielder, but his versatility emerged as a prominent asset. Presently, within Barton’s defensive setup, he appears to have discovered a niche as the left element of the back four. Despite a 2-1 loss against Oxford, Vale exhibited excellence on the pitch.
The young loanee from Chelsea showcased his defensive prowess by winning five tackles and orchestrating two key passes and two dribbles, capturing attention in his role as a full-back. These displays in defense have garnered praise from Barton, the esteemed former midfielder of Manchester City, Newcastle, and QPR, who likened Vale to a youthful Ashley Cole. Barton commended Vale’s footballing intelligence, encompassing an impressive passing range, speed, and aerial prowess.
The question now emerges: is left-back Vale’s most optimal position? While Vale has frequently demonstrated his attacking prowess in Chelsea’s youth teams, a more defined and constrained role in League One has seemingly fostered his development. In the previous season, the 20-year-old showcased his offensive capabilities by securing three goals and four assists in 14 Premier League 2 appearances. This followed an early termination of his loan spell at Hull City due to limited playing opportunities. Notably, he has already netted his maiden goal for Bristol Rovers.
However, Barton firmly perceives the burgeoning English talent as a left-back, and this positional alteration has undeniably brought forth the zenith of Vale’s senior career thus far. Despite Chelsea boasting left-back options like Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and Ian Maatsen, potentially making a return to Stamford Bridge in that role challenging, Vale’s prowess and adaptability continue to captivate attention and prompt debates on his future trajectory in football.
