It's interesting how football has evolved over the years, with more apparent emphasis on a defenders attacking ability (i.e. able to provide attacking support), rather than basic defending. You only have to look at us, both Bruno and Calderon are more than able going forward, but both are not...
Absolutely no way has he proved himself better than Cole (especially recently). Cole was outstanding in the CL semi.
Baines is inept at defending and arguably is weaker than Luke Shaw.
Don't disagree about the lack of protection, but would have started Lallana instead of Welbeck.