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Victor Moses Has Become the Embodiment of Chelsea’s Resurgence
- Updated: November 1, 2016
When Antonio Conte arrived at Chelsea, he found a squad in desperate need of rejuvenation. Almost to a man, the Blues had underperformed the season before. Players like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, renowned as among the top stars in Europe, had played nowhere near their best as Chelsea charted the worst title defence in Premier League history.
Just three months into the 2016/17 campaign, the Italian has indeed revived Chelsea’s ailing stars. With Sunday’s win over Southampton their fourth successive victory, the Blues’ stars are shining bright once again. But one player’s resurgence has come as more of a surprise than most.
Many Chelsea fans might have forgotten Victor Moses was even on the books of their club heading into this season, with the Nigeria international farmed out on loan three times, to three different clubs, since making the move to Stamford Bridge in 2012. He has become a key player under Conte, though.
That was underlined by his performance at St Mary’s Stadium. While Costa and Hazard scored the goals, making the highlight reel, Moses was arguably the best player on the pitch. But it wasn’t as the attacking midfielder he was signed as. He was used as a wing-back, and to great effect.
It wasn’t an isolated case. Conte has used Moses as a wing-back since switching to a back three following last month’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. The Italian has seen something in him, finding a position for the Nigerian where nobody else had envisaged for him.
Tactically, Moses is integral to Chelsea’s new 3-4-3 shape. Without him, the whole thing would falter. Without him, they might not have notched four successive wins over the past month. He is crucial to both the Blues’ defence and attack, filling in as part of a back five when needed and springing forward on the attack when Chelsea have the ball. Conte has found a use for his versatility.
Of course, Conte is a coach who has long favoured a 3-4-3 formation. He used it with both Juventus and the …
