- Chelsea look a better side when Victor Moses is in it, says BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks
- The Nigerian only recently returned from injury and had a fine game vs Newcastle
- Crooks is impressed by how much Moses has improved under Antonio Conte
- READ MORE: Pep Guardiola would love to complete shock raid on Chelsea, claims pundit
Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses makes Antonio Conte’s team into a stronger side, according to BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks after his recent return.
The Nigeria international has missed a large chunk of this season through injury, but was back in the starting line up against Newcastle over the weekend.
Moses immediately made himself noticed with an assist for Alvaro Morata’s goal, and later won a penalty for Eden Hazard to chip home the third in a 3-1 win.
Despite years of being farmed out on loan by different Chelsea managers, Moses finally earned the trust of Conte last season as he shone in a new role as a wing-back.
Crooks now believes the 26-year-old is a key part of how this Blues outfit plays, as he heaped praise on him for BBC Sport in his Team of the Weekend column.
‘I must say Chelsea look far more comfortable with Victor Moses back in the side,’ Crooks said.
‘He not only provides them with far more options, but he can be quite lethal in the opposition’s penalty area. Of course, it took an Italian coach to work out that Moses had the potential to be one of the most effective wing-backs in the Premier League, leaving all the other coaches Moses has ever worked with looking rather embarrassed.
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‘Two seasons ago, this player was being loaned out to club after club with no-one capable of unearthing his real potential.
‘Against Newcastle, it was patently obvious what Moses could do when he flashed a bullet-like cross towards Chancel Mbemba. The Newcastle defender appeared terrified by the quality of the cross, diving out of the way and allowing Alvaro Morata to score Chelsea’s second in the 3-1 win.
‘Similarly in the second half, it was Moses who forced (Matt) Ritchie to give away the penalty which resulted in Eden Hazard converting from the spot.
‘Moses has always been decent, but what Conte has done is convert an ordinary player into an outstanding one. What a pity more coaches can’t do the same.’