He’s dazzled in the Cup of Nations, he’s won the Europa League, he’s shone in the Premier League for Stoke City, but in the end, it seems as though all Jose Mourinho wanted from Victor Moses was a strong showing against Ney York Red Bulls!
Ostensibly, the Nigerian looks to be one of the key winners from
Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States.
In the space of a few games, the Nigerian international has gone from Pensioners outcast—the forgotten man of Stamford Bridge—to a potential ‘player’ for the reigning English champions. Now, it seems as though the Super Eagle is back in favour, and could have a role to play in the EPL next term.
"I see him fitting in. He’s strong, he’s experienced, he knows the Premier League well, he’s fast, he’s aggressive,” the coach began, as reported by the Standard.
"Okay, he has to play with us. But I’m happy with his week, with his 45 minutes and the next match (against Paris Saint-Germain) he will have 45 more minutes. But Victor has had an evolution in the last couple of years."
Moses scored in that match, and demonstrated his ability to terrorise defences with his pacey, direct and, most notably, powerful forward play.
Immediately, the news seemed positive. Moses’s early performances in a Chelsea shirt—after leaving Wigan Athletic in 2012—were encouraging, if somewhat unrefined, and he demonstrated quickly that he could be an effective impact substitute for the Blues.
Moses | Was not given the opportunity to build on his early encouraging showings at Chelsea
However, when the Portuguese coach arrived in the summer of 2013, Moses was jettisoned. After an unconvincing loan spell at Liverpool, he was never going to be welcomed back to Chelsea with open arms, and it was little surprise when he was cast away to Stoke City—a more modest environment, reflecting his apparent stagnation over the previous 12 months.
While injuries doubtless affected his progress at the Britannia, three goals and three assists in 19 outings showed, at least, that Moses remained a player who could make a difference in Premier League contests. Thankfully, he appeared largely undiminished by his failings at Liverpool and his struggles with the national team.
However, while his performances under Mark Hughes had re-established some of the confidence that had existed in the player, it appeared unlikely that he would find a home once again in West London.
Instead, a permanent move to the Potters looked more likely, while interest from Tottenham Hotspur—who have subsequently turned their attention to Yannick Bolasie and Saido Berahino—indicated that the player was still held in high esteem by some of the EPL’s elite
Mourinho’s comments look to have put paid to a move, and sides like Everton or Aston Villa who may have provided a fresh start for Moses appear to be unlikely destinations…at least not just yet.
Considering the consequences of the Portuguese coach, there’s some reason for disappointment.
What role does Jose Mourinho envisage for Moses next season?
A move to one of the sides in the top half of the Premier League—Spurs would have been ideal—might have allowed Moses to establish himself as a first-team player for a European contender. It would have represented the kind of step the player perhaps should have made when he left Wigan, rather than moving to Chelsea, where he was unlikely to be given regular EPL starts
Nigeria could have begun to benefit from the services of a player featuring consistently, taking responsibility, making a name for himself as a key component of a successful side.
Despite having Mourinho’s confidence, there are no guarantees that Moses will be given the kind of playing time he merits—and probably needs—at Stamford Bridge.
Instead, expect the kind of groans and grumbles that have accompanied John Obi Mikel’s bench role in West London to soon be extended to Moses.
It’s hard to see the Nigerian securing a spot in Mourinho’s starting XI—barring chronic injury.
Diego Costa, Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy will contest the sole striking spot, while a host of attacking midfielders—men such as Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Juan Cuadrado (should he stay) and Bertrand Traore will battle for the three or two supporting roles. Even someone like Ramires can step up and do a job in a wide offensive berth if required.
Similarly, Mourinho demonstrated a proclivity for retaining the same starting XI last season, caring little for rotation as his side tore into the lead in the league and then sat on their spot.
Is Moses's homegrown status of interest to Mourinho?
Filipe Luis has left after becoming a peripheral figure, the aforementioned Cuadrado may join him in the departure lounge, while Mohamed Salah—after never getting a look in—was loaned to Fiorentina and will surely be leaving soon.
It’s hard not to imagine Moses, six months or 12 months down the line, sharing the same grievances as the two underused wideman, having spent a campaign on the bench, watching his illustrious teammates steal the glory.
There’s also the example of Kevin De Bruyne, which ought to provoke cautionary wariness in Nigeria fans.
The Belgian playmaker starred for Chelsea in pre-season ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, prompting suggestions that he may emerge as a new star for the Pensioners.
A disgruntled De Bruyne was offloaded to Wolfsburg in January after growing unhappy with a lack of opportunity at Stamford Bridge—with Mourinho critical of his training and professional. The Belgian was ultimately unaffected by the misstep and is now on the radar of Manchester City for a princely £50 million.
Mourinho’s comments suggest that Moses looks set to be given another chance at Chelsea. The value of that opportunity will become apparent over time, but it at least indicates that any chance the Nigerian had of a fresh start—a genuine new beginning—will have to be put on hold for a little bit longer.
