Ashley Cole vs Edgar Davids: Stats Compared
Left-Back, England (born 1980, retired 2019) · Defensive Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1973, retired 2011)
Set Ashley Cole alongside Edgar Davids and the numbers start an argument of their own. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. On production alone, Ashley Cole posted 10 goals across 750 appearances while Edgar Davids managed 45 across 600. Add playmaking to the mix and Ashley Cole laid on 40 goals, Edgar Davids 40. Ashley Cole departs the game with 11 major pieces of silverware, including 3× Premier League (2002, 2004, 2010); Edgar Davids with 4, including 1× UEFA Champions League (1995). The left-back duties of Ashley Cole leaned uncompromising; the defensive midfielder responsibilities of Edgar Davids leaned incisive. Club journeys add another layer, with Ashley Cole reaching his representative peak around 2010 across Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy, Derby County and Edgar Davids doing so around 2000 with Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Internazionale, Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax, Crystal Palace. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
161 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Widely regarded as one of the finest left-backs of his generation, Cole won a record-equalling seven FA Cups across spells at Arsenal and Chelsea.
“A quick, tenacious full-back whose relentless overlapping and recovery pace made him a nightmare to play against.”
Nicknamed 'The Pitbull' for his relentless tackling, Davids wore his trademark wraparound goggles and was one of the most feared ball-winners in Europe during Juventus's late-1990s dominance.
“An aggressive, tireless ball-winner whose combativeness and surprising technical quality made him a complete midfield destroyer.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 3× Premier League (2002, 2004, 2010)
- 7× FA Cup (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2012)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (1995)
- 3× Serie A (1998, 2002, 2003)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1999 Professional debut for Arsenal
- 2002 Won Premier League with Arsenal
- 2012 Won UEFA Champions League with Chelsea
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Chelsea
- 2019 Retired after a final spell at Derby County
- Finished his career with 10 goals in 750 appearances and 11 major honours. Finished his career with 10 goals in 750 appearances and 11 major honours.
- 1991 Professional debut for Ajax
- 1995 Won UEFA Champions League with Ajax
- 1998 Won Serie A with Juventus
- 2000 Reached the peak of his powers at Juventus
- 2011 Retired after a final spell at Crystal Palace
- Finished his career with 45 goals in 600 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 45 goals in 600 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Ashley Cole is the choice: a clear margin, with a weightier trophy cabinet the deciding factor.
Ashley Cole edges it (a clear margin)
