JOE COLE has warned Chelsea not to underestimate Champions League opponents Lille.
That’s because he reckons Ligue 1 is now on a par with the Bundesliga, Serie A and LaLiga.
Chelsea host French champs Lille this evening in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
Iconic trickster Cole played for both the Blues and Lille throughout a fine career – and he reckons Chelsea should underestimate the French side at their own peril.
Cole told L’Equipe: “[The level] was far greater than what I was expecting before coming to Lille.
“In fact, it’s a league which hasn’t stopped progressing since and which I would place today behind the Premier League but at the same level as the Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga.
“At my time, for example, I was very impressed by the quality of young defenders – those I played with like Lucas Digne or those I faced like Kurt Zouma.
“I would tell my contacts in the Premier League, ‘you should sign them, they’re already very good!’."
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Lille won Ligue 1 last season but are currently 11th, 23 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Lille boast several Premier League-linked stars including Sven Botman and Renato Sanches.
And despite their lowly position, they have lost just twice in their last 13 league matches.
Lille's playing style means they are sure to present Champions League holders Chelsea with a few problems.
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Cole added: “In my opinion Ligue 1 is close to the Premier League in its physical dimension.
“If a defender does well in France, there is no reason why they shouldn’t do so in England.
“That’s why so many Premier League clubs are interested in Sven Botman, there are few doubts on his ability to adapt.”
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