Victor Moses – Africa’s next superstar? (video)
3 time African Player of the Year winner Samuel Eto’o is renowned for his acceleration and clinical finishing. 2 time winner Didier Drogba is renowned for his strength and power. 22 year old Nigerian Victor Moses has the potential to become renowned for all these abilities and to become Africa’s next superstar.
Victor Moses was a catalyst for Nigeria’s recent African Cup of Nations success – only the third time in their history that the Super Eagles have lifted the trophy.
His performances throughout the Cup of Nations earned him a place in the team of the tournament alongside three of his fellow countrymen.
Moses was particularly influential in the final game of the group stage where he won two penalties and converted them both as Nigeria recorded a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia to book their place in the knockout phase.
Victor Moses made his senior professional debut for Crystal Palace at the age of just 16 after being on the books at the Selhurst Park side since 11 years old, re-locating to England from Nigeria after his parents were killed during religious riots.
Moses impressed throughout his three seasons with the Eagles and gained the attention of several Premier League managers including Wigan’s Roberto Martinez who described the forward as “a special talent” after he signed for the Latics in the 2010 January transfer window.
Moses spent three full seasons at the DW season, growing in maturity each year and becoming an ever-more important player for Wigan in their constant fight against relegation to the Championship.
One of the highlights in his time with the Latics was his starring role in a shock 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates, where he set up two goals in a game which proved to be a turning point in Wigan’s season.
Moses achieved greater consistency in his third season with Wigan and in doing so sparked the interest of London giants Chelsea who after a protracted transfer battle signed the Nigerian youngster for £9million in August 2012.
Moses has had to work hard for a place in the starting eleven at Stamford Bridge and has been in and out of the team under both Roberto Di Matteo and Rafa Benitez, achieving 21 appearances and 5 goals for the reigning European champions.
When included in the first team lineup Moses has impressed. His role in this season’s 1-1 draw with Swansea, where he scored his first Chelsea goal, prompted then manager Di Matteo to comment “He has been doing very well. Every time he has played he has perfomed very well.” “He is a big threat. He has tricks and pace and is becoming more effective when he finds space.”
Although often reduced to brief cameo appearances from the bench in his first season in a Chelsea shirt, many supporters at Stamford Bridge may be questioning why their management team continue to persist with the ever mis-firing Fernando Torres and why they haven’t turned to both Victor Moses and West Brom loanee Romanu Lukaku for a more dynamic, pacy and threatening front-line as they look to ensure their Champions League place for next year.
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