What really has been the problem for Joe Cole at Liverpool?

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has stated that he hopes Joe Cole’s goal against Birmingham City in the 5-0 rout, will spark the player into life:

“Joe’s goal wasn’t a little contribution. It could be massive for him because he has not had as many opportunities as he would have liked as he’s been injured and suspended. He’s had a difficult time, but it is a great credit to him the way he has been training and working every single day. He’s not let it affect him, and that’s all I can ask for – for anyone when they do get their chance to go on and do their best. He is fantastic in training. He plays everything right and doesn’t have a problem. Joe, like Maxi and others out of the team, are giving themselves the best opportunity because, in training, they are committed and determined. Everybody has to work hard to get anything and Joe is no different from anybody else. But he’s done that, and has got his chance. It could be important for him.”

Cole’s season has been hindered by bad form, injuries and suspension and most probably Kenny is trying to boost the player’s confidence by giving him some praise.

I for one, have been extremely disappointed at how Cole’s career on Merseyside has so far turned out. I wasn’t the only Liverpool supporter in the summer who was very optimistic about the possibility of Joe being in the Reds first team, for I felt he could provide the team with something different. Joe throughout his career has had the ability to open up defences, and put his flair and ability to good use more often than not.

So the question about why it hasn’t worked out must have multiple answers rather than just one; that he is simply lost his ability. Cole is a player with a tremendous amount of skill, although it is certainly true that he was never as good as some in the media have portrayed over the years. Still, at 29 years of age, he should still have the legs to really perform to his optimum ability. He was never lightning quick but relied on his fleet-footedness to cause trouble for opposition defences.