Chelsea’s slow start to the season has proved to be the accelerant to a flurry of transfer activity within the last few days.
First, the transfer of Abdul Rahman Baba from Augsburg
was confirmed immediately following the clobbering at Manchester City
(from the club’s perspective, the timing could hardly have been worse).
Following that, came the announcement of Spain international Pedro Rodriguez as a Blue.
Quite apart from the drama surrounding Manchester United’s protracted
negotiations for the forward – the image evoked is of the perplexed
groom at the altar, and a bride bounding through the streets in silk to a
sultry lover – Chelsea have acquired a champion in every sense. Pedro
has won every accolade available in football, except the heart of Luis
Enrique; now, it is Jose Mourinho’s jigsaw he seeks to complete.
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Is Moses set to be the key casualty of Pedro's arrival?
While it is widely assumed he will slide suavely into the right-sided
midfield role, his presence will nonetheless force some pertinent
personnel decisions. The busy-bee Willian brings the sort of bustle and
work-rate that Mourinho delights in, and is surely undroppable at this
point. Assuming the Brazilian takes up a central role behind the
striker, this bumps the likes of Oscar and Ramires down the pecking
order, sparking a domino effect with no bigger casualty than Victor
Moses.
The Nigeria international could have been forgiven for thinking a
cloudy spell at Stamford Bridge was starting to part. Having spent last
season on loan – and impressing – at Stoke City, it appeared he had
earned an audition under the watchful eyes of the Chelsea management.
He seized the chance with open arms, starring during the Blues’
preseason tour of the USA and, even more remarkable, pleasing his
notoriously surly boss.
“Victor is strong, he is experienced,” Mourinho gushed, “he is fast,
he is aggressive. He needs to learn to play with us obviously, but I am
happy [with him].”
However, his resolve to retain the 24-year-old has surely been doused
within a month. He began the season as first option off the bench on
either flank, but the arrival of Pedro sees his odds lengthen
significantly.
It is interesting to see whether this latest move opens up the
possibility of a loan deal for Moses in the final days of the transfer
window. Mourinho made no secret of his desire to keep Moses in the side,
but is unlikely to rebuff any further advances at this point.
Essentially, he has enough options to double up all across the forward
without involving the speedy winger—bad news considering the Special
One’s aversion to excessive rotation.
The alternative is to stick around and try to prove his worth: a
romantic notion, no doubt. Really though, with his peak around the
corner, a bit-part role is really the last thing the former Wigan
Athletic man needs at the moment.
There should be no shortage of suitors willing to take him on for the
season; Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Everton are repeatedly
linked—the latter unsurprising considering his relationship with Toffees
boss Roberto Martinez.
Could Everton, West Ham or Spurs be set to benefit indirectly from Pedro's arrival?
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Indeed, it may be the only way for the winger to force his way back
into the international fold. His blistering impact at the 2013 Afcon is
something of a distant memory now, following repeated injuries and a
sharp decline in form. He was part of the Super Eagles team at last
year’s World Cup and largely underwhelmed in his two appearances in
Brazil, but has not pulled on green and white since.
Now, with Sunday Oliseh at the helm of the team, there is an emphasis
on starting over, turning a new page. If Moses wants to be a part of
Oliseh’s book, he may very well have to start a new chapter in his
career.
In truth, 24 may not be a very encouraging age to be going out on
loan; if nothing else, it’s a tacit admission that his move to Chelsea
has been a bust so far.
Pedro’s arrival is the starkest signal yet: his days at Stamford Bridge may very well be numbered.
The 11th Commandment, Moses? Run!
Chelsea: Pedro arrival is Victor Moses' cue to leave
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Oleh
healthandwealth
