Victor Moses: A better player than Pogba for a fraction of the price

The title of this article says it all really – we reckon Victor Moses is a better player than Manchester United’s world-record signing Paul Pogba. Before this season, even the most diehard Blues fans and football tipsters would have laughed at the suggestion. But Moses’ form this season tells a different story…

Before this season

Playing for Juventus in Serie A last season, Pogba was one of the top 20 players in the country for goals (8), third for shots (124); and first for assists (12). Throughout the season he created 154 chances. This represents an increase on the amount of chances he created for the fourth season in a row. He also ranked well for through-balls, dribbles and tackles.

By contrast, Chelsea’s Victor Moses was on loan at West Ham, and had been shipped out to Stoke and Liverpool in the two seasons before. While clearly showing flashes of potential from time to time, Moses became something of a journeyman.

Robert Di Matteo bought him from Wigan for £10 million. Yet it was clear Jose Mourinho didn’t like him as a player. Moses even says that Mourinho didn’t say a single word to him in person during the manager’s second spell. Both pundits and fans agreed that Moses was on borrowed time at the Bridge. Then Antonio Conte became manager…

This season

When new managers come in during closed season, they tend to give every player a chance to prove themselves – and that’s exactly what Conte did, and Moses is still doing. Shining as a right wing back in Conte’s 3-4-3 system, Moses now plays a key role in the team and was instrumental in their six wins on the trot. Conte insists he saw the potential in Moses from day one, and says that he finds it hard to believe no-one else saw it.

Interpreted by the press as a dig at Mourinho, it’s telling that Conte is getting the best out of the Nigerian, whereas the former ‘Special One’ spent a silly amount on Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has had a poor season so far for United, and many now say he doesn’t appear to understand the game. When the Blues gave United that 4-0 kicking, Moses was excellent, but Pogba was lacklustre to say the least.

Despite playing a more defensive role than Pogba, Moses has the same number of goals in the Premier League (2). We’ve also had a few clean sheets this season, due in part to Moses’ resilience. By contrast, anyone who saw Pogba fail to provide cover against Arsenal knows that defence isn’t his strong suit.

Whereas Pogba seems to stand around an awful lot in games, Moses has incredible stamina and appears to run across every single blade of grass during matches. Amid rumours of interest from Barcelona, it’s clear the £10 million we paid for him was a bargain.