Atlético's Filipe Luís to fill Cole's boots at Chelsea

After Chelsea FC confirmed they have reached agreement with Club Atlético de Madrid to sign, subject to personal terms, Filipe Luís, UEFA.com's man in the Spanish capital Paul Bryan profiles a player who was a cornerstone of the Rojiblancos's success under Diego Simeone.

The 28-year-old, a member of the Atlético side that ended the Blues' UEFA Champions League campaign in the semi-finals last term, will take Ashley Cole's place at left-back following the former England international's switch to AS Roma.

Date of birth: 09/08/85
Position: Left-back
Clubs: Figueirense FC, AFC Ajax (loan), Real Madrid Castilla, RC Deportivo La Coruña, Club Atlético de Madrid

UEFA honours
UEFA Champions League: runner-up 2014
UEFA Europa League: winner 2012
UEFA Super Cup: 2012

Background
Filipe Luís took his first steps in the European game with Ajax and Real Madrid Castilla before establishing a reputation as a highly dependable attacking full-back at Deportivo. The former Figueirense player quickly returned to full fitness from a broken leg sustained in 2010 and soon landed a move to Atlético. The four-cap Brazilian international's four seasons – encompassing 127 Liga appearances – in the Spanish capital brought an impressive haul of Liga, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa del Rey honours.

Number: 26 
Filipe Luís formed part of the Liga's meanest defence of 2013/14 as Atlético conceded just 26 goals in their title-winning campaign.

Best moment 
He played an integral role in Atlético's first Liga triumph for 18 years and narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League glory when the Rojiblancos lost the Lisbon final in extra time to Real Madrid CF.

What he says
"Since recovering [from my broken leg], I have improved a lot in defence. I'm stronger, I cross more and also get into the final third on a more regular basis."

Playing style/strengths
Despite his lithe frame, Filipe Luís is strong in the tackle, fast and can provide telling passes.