A number of players have made somewhat surprising starts to the new Premier League season. Diego Costa has hit the ground running in spectacular fashion, while Leonardo Ulloa, Graziano Pellè and Nacer Chadli have appeased supporters with their early season form. Victor Moses is another who has impressed as we gear up for the October international break.
After the first 7 games of the season, only 7 players have attained a better WhoScored rating than Moses (7.67). This may well have been higher had he not been forced off with injury during Stoke’s recent 3-1 defeat at Sunderland. Regardless, Moses was able to register an assist prior to his 18th minute withdrawal, with Potters fans hopeful his thigh injury is not as bad as initially feared.
It’s a far cry from his previous two seasons with Liverpool and Chelsea, where the Nigeria international struggled for form and consistency due to a lack of playing time. Only 18 of his previous 42 league appearances have been starts, while Moses was often the butt of jokes, alongside Iago Aspas, during his time at Anfield last season. The form of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling did not help his cause, with the trio vital to their 2nd-place finish in England’s top tier.
Moses hasn't really been handed a fair chance at proving his worth in the Premier League since his move from Wigan to Chelsea in 2012, but his summer switch to Stoke has supporters feeling he can realise his potential at the Brittania Stadium. It’s easy to forget that the attacker is only 23 and still has time to develop and better his game, but under the watchful eye of Mark Hughes the Nigerian has played a key role for the Potters.
Stoke may sit 16th in the table after 7 games, but favourable results once domestic duties get back underway would see them push up a tight table. Moses could play a key role in this, provided he can return to full fitness quickly. The 23-year-old has registered more assists (3) than any other Stoke player, with only Cesc Fàbregas (7) and Gylfi Sigurdsson (6) providing for more goals in the Premier League this term.
Much of this has been as a result of his crossing ability. Moses statistically calculated styles of play now include the fact that he ‘likes to cross’, though that is little surprise with Peter Crouch spearheading the Stoke attack. The on-loan wideman has a 6’7” target to find in the 18-yard box and, as a result, Moses is currently averaging the most accurate crosses per game (3) in England’s top tier. His assist for Crouch in Stoke’s 1-0 win over Newcastle at the end of September was exactly the relationship Hughes was hoping his striker and Moses would form.
Moses ran down the left-wing, getting the better of Daryl Janmaat, before delivering into the box for Crouch to nod past Tim Krul and hand Stoke their one and only home win of the season so far. The Potters may have underwhelmed this term, taking 8 points from a possible 21, but that has not hindered Moses’ influence as he strives to stretch the opposition defence when deployed on the left flank.
The form he is currently showing is reminiscent of his time with Crystal Palace and Wigan, though it's worth noting he played a more central role for Palace once he established himself with the Eagles having since been moved out to the left, where he has matured as a player. His performances are reaching the level that convinced Chelsea to sign him from Wigan in 2012 and while his career nosedived on the back of a move to Stamford Bridge, his displays for Stoke this term have reminded fans that Moses is still capable of plying his trade in the Premier League.
Only a handful of players are averaging more successful dribbles per game than Moses (2.4) this term and it’s clear his objective is to pick up the ball on the wing before beating the opposition and delivering a potentially devastating cross. Stoke's statistically calculated styles of play include the fact that they ‘attempt crosses often’ and Moses is adhering to the plans of Hughes, with his approach benefitting Crouch in particular - 2 of Moses’ 3 assists have been for a Crouch goal.
‘Finishing scoring chances’ is a WhoScored weakness of the Potters, but Moses’ perseverance is clearly having a positive effect on the team. This never-say-die attitude is exactly the mindset Hughes requires as the team strives to better their 9th-placed finish from the previous campaign. While everything may not be going to plan just yet, Moses as shown is capable of creating the chances to help the Potters’ attackers net and lift the team up the table.
Moses may not have been a headline-grabbing signing, with some supporters reacting to his arrival with trepidation after his form with Chelsea and Liverpool, but early signs suggests he has slotted into the Stoke starting XI with ease. Provided his current thigh problem does not result in an extended spell on the sidelines; Moses can quickly establish himself as the most important offensive player in the current Potters set up.
Do you think Victor Moses can realise his potential for Stoke City? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
