Ledley King, a rock in Tottenham and England’s defense, harbors a surprising conviction about a former teammate. He believes one player possessed a natural brilliance that eclipsed even the lauded talents of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Paul Scholes – three midfielders often hailed as England’s finest.
Gerrard, the enduring heart of Liverpool for over seventeen years, commanded the pitch in over 700 appearances. Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer and a Champions League winner, redefined the role of a goal-scoring midfielder. Scholes, a Manchester United legend, amassed an astonishing 25 trophies throughout his decorated career.
Yet, King consistently returns to the name of Joe Cole when discussing pure, unadulterated talent. He remembers a player who, even as a teenager, moved with an effortless grace rarely seen in English football. Cole, he insists, was simply a magician with the ball at his feet.
Cole’s most impactful years unfolded at Chelsea, where he contributed to three Premier League titles and multiple domestic cup victories. He earned 56 caps for England, showcasing his abilities on the international stage, and also had spells with West Ham and Liverpool.
“The one for me was Joe Cole,” King stated, “who I can, hand on heart, say was the most naturally gifted English player that I played with.” While acknowledging Wayne Rooney’s all-around excellence, King emphasized Cole’s instinctive brilliance as unmatched.
King observed a subtle shift in Cole’s game as his career progressed. The carefree, instinctive player of his youth evolved into a more disciplined team player at Chelsea. He suggests Cole himself might reflect on this transformation, wondering if he could have reached an even higher level by retaining that initial, uninhibited style.
The former defender recalls a time when a young Cole, barely a man, already stood apart. “At that age Joe was pure magic,” King explained. “He was more natural than Stevie G. Stevie could do everything, but Joe was just a magician of a player.”
King paints a vivid picture of a 16 or 17-year-old Cole, playing with a flair that defied expectations for an English player. He moved, King says, “like he was Brazilian,” a testament to his unique and captivating style. It was a level of natural ability that set him apart from his peers.
Since hanging up his boots in 2018, Cole has transitioned into a respected voice in football analysis, sharing his insights as a pundit.
