Victor Moses returned to the fray for Chelsea on Thursday night in the Europa League 3-1 victory over BATE Borisov at Stamford Bridge, so was his performance a response to the January transfer links to Manchester United?
It is hard to imagine that a player of Moses’ mould wouldn’t crave game action on weekly basis; the last two seasons as a Chelsea starter surely must have whet that appetite.
Unfortunately, whilst his role under Antonio Conte earned him plaudits, the 27-year-old is Today a fringe actor with only cameo roles at the most under a different Manager.
So, as he made his return to the team; since October 4 against Vidi in the Europa League, the Winger came on as a sub and perhaps with the Man United links playing in his head, set out to give an answer – on the pitch.
It’s safe to say if that was his audition for a Man United deal or better yet an escape from the confinement that Chelsea has become, the Nigeria didn’t impress many.
A second half substitute, the Winger played just over half an hour, but his numbers weren’t at all impressive; especially given he was handed a key role and his team were by far the better side on the night.
Moses contributed 64 passes with an a 90 percent accuracy; Chelsea completed a total of 726 of 787 – BATE completed 276.
Famously it is being rumored he will likely replace Veteran Antonio Valencia in right back.
The Nigerian was a stand out performer for Chelsea as he burst through the flank as a reinvented wing-man. He settled perfectly into Conte’s 3-5-2 formation as a Wing-back.
Arguably, one of the better players in that position in the 2016/17 season across England and Europe, any chance of him finding such relevance must be in such a role.
However, on Thursday, he didn’t “prove” he still had it. He was generally disinterested in playing and showed little enthusiasm to fight.
He managed one successful tackle and a shot on target in 33 minutes, but was dispossessed 2 times.
There was no desire from the player and he has struggled to show adaptability with the more technical style Sarri introduced.
Staying at Chelsea beyond this season; at this rate, is inconceivable for Moses as is Chelsea keeping him, thus the best thing for both parties is a move away.
However, while movement away from Stamford Bridge will come as a relief for Moses, his work rate and dedication to improving aspects of his game will put him at odds with Jose Mourinho; as it had in the past when the Portuguese was Manager at Chelsea.
So, is Victor Moses a Manchester United product time? Hardly. If he gets the move – even on loan – then that’s great. But as far as last night is concerned, He failed the audition.
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