Following reports that Liverpool are interested in taking Chelsea attacker Victor Moses on a season loan, we get the opinion of Crystal Palace season ticket holder David Matthews – who watched Moses development at Selhurst Park and has closely followed his career since.
For any Liverpool fans feeling slightly underwhelmed by the potential arrival of Victor Moses from Chelsea on a seasons long loan, hopefully I can give you an insight into what you will be getting from the 22 year old Nigerian International and give you cause for optimism.
As a 14 year old, Moses was one of the most exciting Academy players in the country. And thankfully for us at Selhurst Park, he belonged to us. Once he finally broke into the Palace first team, there was no looking back, and it was only a couple of niggling injuries that stopped him being a regular starter at the age of 17.
Talent
His talent was obvious. Blessed with the ability to glide past defenders with the ball as if they were training ground manikins, he bought an excitement to Palace fans that we probably hadn’t seen for a very long time.
He continued this trend at Wigan, were he was instrumental in their Houdini survival act two seasons ago. Two devastating performances in wins at home to Manchester United and away at Arsenal ensured Wigan remained in the Premier League, but Victor had already caught the attention of Chelsea and manager then Roberto Di Matteo.
Last season, Victor was always playing second fiddle to the tremendous trio of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar. But former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez took a real liking to Moses and utilised him a lot, especially in their run to Europa League Glory. But with Chelsea and Jose reunited, it seems Victor is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge this season. And Liverpool could be a perfect fit for him.
It’s worth noting that Moses perfectly suits the type of player Liverpool’s owners are wishing to sign; still young (22), with plenty of experience but also plenty of potential for further development. I would expect Liverpool would look to have a clause to make the deal permanent should they agree a loan deal.
Left Forward
Moses’ best position is arguably the left forward in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation – the area which Rodgers has explained his is looking to strengthen, thus allowing Philippe Coutinho the freedom of the ‘number 10’ role more centrally.
Unlike Coutinho, Moses prefers to do the majority of his work in a wide position, relishing the opportunity to take on full backs before cutting inside onto his stronger right foot. Give him space, and he’ll exploit 1v1 opportunities with ease. He has tremendous feet, wonderful balance, and a great change of pace. He is a natural with the ball, and would be a real asset to Liverpool.
In games this season where the opposition will plan to restrict the likes of Coutinho playing between the lines in central areas, Moses would give Liverpool some genuine width on the left hand side.
Much like other Liverpool signings this summer – Kolo Toure and Simon Mignolet – Moses might not be the most glamorous signing on paper, but it wouldn’t surprise me if this signing is looking somewhat of a coup come May…
Fan Comments