Joe Cole believes Chelsea missed a trick by not signing Virgil van Dijk last season before agreeing a contract extension with Liverpool.
Van Dijk has been a virtual ever-present figure at the heart of the Reds’ defense since joining from Southampton in January 2018.
The Dutchman, now captain of the side, has helped Liverpool win two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time on Merseyside.
While Arne Slot’s side were on their way to the league title last season, there were doubts over Van Dijk’s long-term future at the club as his contract expired in the summer of 2025.
But Van Dijk put an end to that speculation by finally agreeing a new two-year extension to his contract before the end of the season.
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The 34-year-old never really seemed to have the option of leaving Liverpool, but Cole believes Chelsea should have tested the waters last season with an attempt to lure the experienced defender to Stamford Bridge.
When asked who he would sign for the Blues in January, Cole said Paddy power: ‘I would have gone the route of becoming very big for Virgil van Dijk when his contract with Liverpool expired last summer.
‘You need seasoned winners.’
Cole added: “I would look at the PSG squad, which I think is bloated. Players who win understand and know how and what it means to win.
‘I don’t think Arsenal can keep up with all their players, certain players will be available at the end of the season.
‘Unfortunately none of the top players will come to Chelsea because if they are available, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool will come along and they will go there first.
‘Chelsea is therefore still in the reconstruction phase.’
The latest chapter in Chelsea’s rebuild is the appointment of Liam Rosenior, the former Strasbourg head coach who replaces Enzo Maresca after his dismissal on New Year’s Day.
The Englishman started in an emphatic 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, but Cole believes Chelsea fans should not expect overnight miracles from their new head coach.
‘There are good players at Chelsea and we have seen that they can beat anyone. Performances against Barcelona and Arsenal, where they were down to ten men, and they were fantastic.
‘There are the two semi-finals against Arsenal [seven games]plus some other London derbies in there [Brentford, Crystal Palace and West Ham].
‘Expectations are high, but the loss at Fulham was a real final blow because it left Chelsea in seventh or eighth place, the competition is so tight.
“I’ve said it from the start of the season: Champions League football is the goal, so they have to get results and you have to give Liam time.”
Chelsea are back in action on Wednesday when they host Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
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