Jay Dasilva better than Ashley Cole was at the same age

Jay Dasilva is better than what Ashley Cole was at the same age, at least that's the opinion of Charlton manager Lee Bowyer where Dasilva is currently on loan.

Dasilva, who joined Charlton for a second loan spell in the summer, was recently voted as the Fans Player of the Year following his impressive performances this season.

Some of the comments from by Bowyer are really positive, really encouraging.

'He is very similar I think to Ashley Cole and he is probably better than Ashley Cole was at his age. I played against Ashley at a young age,'

'Everyone knows how good Ashley was, he was probably our best left back for a long, long time, offensive left back. Jay is the same.'

'Everybody thinks because he's small, he might struggle. But he's unbelievable in the air. He's a baby but uses his body so well.'

'People think they can pick him out and get balls to the far post but he uses his body so they don't get a clear header against him when he can't win it, and people don't score.'

'He is an exceptional player and has been outstanding this season. He had a bit of an injury a while ago but for a young lad to perform the way he has, he's been a credit to himself. He is a top professional, you'd think he is in his mid-twenties.'

'I'd be surprised if he was playing in League One next season. I can't see why he couldn't play in the Premier League at some point.'

It all sounds really really positive and promising. It would be great to see a player from the academy become a first-team regular. Next season will probably be too soon, but in the future hopefully, that last quote suggests as such. He's only 20 so it shouldn't be a surprise that he is not ready for the Premier League yet, but it's encouraging that he needs to play at a higher level than League One.

The good news there is that Charlton are currently in the League One play-offs, so if they gain promotion to the Championship it might not be a bad idea to loan him back to them again next season. He knows the club, the manager rates him and plays, and he gets to play at a higher level. It's a win all round. They just need to win the play-offs first.

Still it's some encouraging news.

Source: Daily Mail