Chelsea Boss Ancelotti Singing Praises Of Benayoun

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Yossi Benayoun is tactically smarter than England international Joe Cole. Ancelotti signed Israeli Benayoun from Liverpool to replace Cole, who moved in the opposite direction after being released by Chelsea earlier in the summer. Over the last three seasons, Opta statistics show Benayoun scored more goals (18-11) and created more chances (116-77) than Cole. Ancelotti last season described Cole as "a genius" but he has now suggested Benayoun has a greater understanding of team ethics. "He is an intelligent player, tactically he knows everything very well," the Italian told Chelseafc.com. "I tried to put him as a right midfielder in this pre-season and he can also play in his usual position as a winger. "I think for us he is a good player to play because tactically he is very intelligent. "We are happy to have Yossi here. I think Joe Cole in Chelsea did a fantastic career but this year is another story. "Joe was quicker, with respect to Yossi, but tactically I think Yossi is better." Ancelotti also released Michael Ballack this summer and he is hoping to replace the German with £17million Brazilian midfielder Ramires.