Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has weighed in on the club's ongoing squad struggles, naming three experienced players he believes could provide the leadership the Blues desperately need.

The winger-turned-pundit joins a growing chorus of fans, journalists, and former players who have criticized Chelsea's transfer strategy in recent years. The consensus? The club's heavy investment in young, unproven talent has created an unbalanced squad—one that lacks the seasoned leaders needed to guide promising stars through the pressures of the Premier League.

"I think of experienced players who can come into the squad and help out immediately," Cole told The Sun. "So you're looking at who's available. I'm thinking players like John Stones."

Cole's list doesn't stop there. He also floated the idea of bringing in Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, who is nearing the end of his contract. "He probably fancies the Premier League and living in London. Give him a year-long contract to come and play 35 games for us and help out Liam Delap and help out João Pedro. They need those types of players."

On the midfield front, Cole doubled down on a suggestion he made last season: Jordan Henderson. "I said Jordan Henderson last season and people laughed," Cole recalled. "Look at what Brentford have done. I know he's not been blowing the doors off on Match of the Day, but he sets the tone. He helps players around him with all the intangible things you can't see. We spent all this money on young players, but they have no one around them."

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing another attacker ahead of what promises to be a pivotal summer transfer window. Whether the club heeds Cole's advice and adds some veteran savvy to their youthful core remains to be seen—but the message from Stamford Bridge legends is clear: Experience matters.