Real Zaragoza's Jermaine Pennant has lauded former Arsenal team-mate Ashley Cole - saying he's the complete full-back.

Former Livepool winger Pennant, who joined Zaragoza after becoming a free agent in the summer, has played both with and against Cole and feels the Chelsea defender is now back to his best.

After an extended settling-in period at Chelsea, last season Cole began to display the imperious overlapping form he showed at the Gunners, and was duly awarded the fans' Player of the Year award.

This year he has continued that form, catching the eye by contributing to the Blues' attacking play as well as keeping things tight at the back - something that has caught the attention of Pennant.

Speaking to the People the 26-year-old said "Ashley is probably the best left-back I have played against.

"He is so annoying - like a little rat. You think you have got past him and there he is in front of you again".

And in a nod to his own ambitions Pennant claimed he would love the chance to link up with Cole at international level.

"As soon as me and him cross the white line we lose that friendship, but it would be great to be back in a squad with him," said Pennant.