Kyle Walker is one of England’s all-time great full-backs, but Joao Cancelo thinks a former Chelsea star has the edge.
Cancelo spent four seasons at Man City winning three league titles, often playing alongside or competing with Walker.
The two were at the peak of their powers under Pep Guardiola, with both having a claim to the world’s best at any given moment.
But when the Al-Hilal star was asked to rank full-backs all-time, he gave preference to a Chelsea player who has often been described as the best to grace the Premier League.
Ashley Cole playing for Chelsea
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Joao Cancelo places Ashley Cole ahead of Kyle Walker
The task for Cancelo was simple.
Place some of the biggest names to play at full-back in one of three categories — Good, Great, and GOAT.
On the Saudi Pro League’s official TikTok page, Ashley Cole and Walker were two of the names put forward.
Walker only made the ‘Good’ category, while the Chelsea legend was labelled as a ‘Great’. Comparing their resumes, you would have to give an edge to the Man City defender, who has six titles along with a Champions League win.
Ashley Cole and Kyle Walker for England
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Cole has just three league titles to go along with Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League win.
Walker was a formidable opponent at his peak, but not many would have him ahead of the 44-year-old. Cole has been described as one of the best left-backs ever.
Cancelo has just three full-backs ahead of Ashley Cole all-time
Placed in the second-highest tier, Cole has just a handful of names ahead of him in Cancelo’s eyes.
It’s three Brazilians, and it’s hard to argue given what they have done in the game. Cancelo has Marcelo, Roberto Carlos and Dani Alves ahead of the Englishman.
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Enzo Maresca of Chelsea celebrates
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Some will argue that — on talent — Cole was right up there with those legends, but the European success they all enjoyed with Barcelona and Real Madrid make it a fair decision.
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