Maurizio Sarri’s summer arrival transformed Victor Moses into something of a ghost scarcely spotted on the bench or anywhere around Chelsea first team. In Turkey, however, the Nigerian is emerging from the woods.
It wasn’t strange being an outcast. Moses spent three years wandering outside Stamford Bridge. Liverpool, West Ham and Stoke City offered solace.
Unlike predecessors, Antonio Conte showed the Nigerian affection. Unconcerned by pedigree, the Italian’s selection was purely based on form and fitness. The 28-year-old took advantage.
Moses made 34 Premier League matches, impressing en route to the title. He racked up six fewer the following campaign. Conte’s departure drastically changed his fortunes.
Sarri made it clear that Moses wasn’t in his plans. The Nigerian played just twice in the league – four more times across all competitions. Less than four months at Fenerbahce, though, he is already earning plaudits.
”Moses is a very talented and important player. He has played in almost every position,” manager Ersun Yanal said at the press conference ahead of the Europa League clash against Zenit Saint Petersburg.
”We are not thinking much about using him outside his current position. We want to try him on both wings.”
Yanal is keeping to his words. The tactician has predominantly used his Nigerian asset on the left and sometimes in the free role.
Moses is already proving to be a shrewd addition. Strong and very quick, he is ghosting past opposing full backs. The ex-Wigan starlet has already contributed four goals in Istanbul. The most recent was a thing of beauty.
He sparked an incredible comeback against Sivasspor. Omer Hurmaci gave the visitors the lead on 73 minutes but Roberto Soldado equalised just one minute later. The Spanish forward had Moses to thank for a beauty pass.
Mehmet Ekici managed to put the home side ahead after managing to nutmeg Tolgahan Acar from an awkward angle. The Yellow-Navy Blues moved out of the relegation zone into 13th place on 31 points.
Moses could ultimately be the difference. No wonder betting site claim the Istanbul side has already offered to make his loan switch permanent.
