Benayoun signing is a step forward for Chelsea as Joe Cole is out the door

Few Chelsea fans would have wanted to hear the news that Joe Cole is heading out of the door at Stamford Bridge, only for his void to be filled by Yossi Benayoun. But reading between the lines reveals that Carlo Ancelotti has pulled of a shrewd and important signing to build on last season’s league and cup double.

At 30, Benayoun has several years left at the top level, combined with an excellent temperament and European and International experience. Cole may have been a crowd favourite in West London, but having lacked great form for two years and demanding a huge contract, it was time for him to move to pastures new.

Since moving to England with Chelsea’s London rivals West Ham in 2005, Benayoun has a record of a goal in every five games from midfield as well as an eye for a killer pass. Scoring crucial goals in became a theme in his time at Anfield, averaging around the 10-per-season mark for the Reds.

Above all, the Israel captain is an extremely versatile player, one who can play wide on either side of midfield, in a more central berth, or as a second striker. Having lost both Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti, not to mention Cole, Ancelotti no doubt felt that he needed a player capable of filling several positions.

Cole’s injury record is nothing short of abysmal. In the seven years he spent at Chelsea he has missed at least two full seasons with injury, meaning he has never been an automatic selection in the side. Benayoun is less injury prone, having played over 40 games in each of his three seasons at Anfield.

Whilst it may not be the most fashionable of moves, this signing shows Chelsea are moving in the right direction, with the Israeli both a sensible acquisition as well as one which will add to the already frightening attacking power of the Blues.