Pele: Cole has skills of a Brazilian
England midfielder Joe Cole has the skills of a Brazilian, according to Pele.
But the three-time World Cup winner believes the Chelsea star needs to work on his game and learn to concentrate on when to keep things plain and when to elaborate.
The Brazil legend told Sky TV magazine: “Joe Cole is a very good player.
“He has the skills of a Brazilian but he needs to learn when to show the skills and when to play the simple game.
“The tricks are fine at 3-0 or 4-0 but not at 0-0 or 1-1.
“When I was playing and it was 0-0 we would keep it the ball and pass it around.”
Pele says Cole could learn from current Brazil superstar Ronaldinho.
The Barcelona player was recently named World Footballer of the Year.
Pele said: “Ronaldinho knows when to do the tricks and when to keep it simple. That is why he is so good.”
Cole could be a crucial player in Germany but Pele fears for England should Michael Owen also struggle for fitness like Wayne Rooney.
“Then they will have problems,” said the man who picked up winners’ medals in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
“But if Brazil lose Ronaldo and Ronaldinho they have Kaka, Adriano or Robinho.
“They have two good players in every position. That is why they will win the World Cup.”
