One to Watch – Victor Moses

Name: Victor Moses

Date of Birth: 12/12/1990

Nationality: Nigeria

Former Clubs: Crystal Palace

League Appearances (Goals): 114 (15)

International Appearances (Goals): 0 (0)

Stat of the Day: Victor Moses has averaged 2.59 shots per match this season, yet has only managed to score twice having had a total of 57 shots

Victor Moses was assigned the unenviable task of filling the void left by Wigan hero Charles N`Zogbia during the summer, a player who almost singlehandedly dragged Wigan over the relegation line last season – no pressure then. Whilst, admittedly, Moses has few goal or assist numbers to his name this season (two apiece) he has undoubtedly been the mainstay of Wigan`s attacking potency – an attacking line up that arguably possesses less proficiency than QPR`s. Neil Warnock, whilst at Palace, said he was the most gifted forward he had managed and he was destined for one of the top four. Moses may have some way to go to reach those laudable heights, but with current contract negotiations seemingly faltering it may be sooner rather than later we see the 21-year-old turning out for a Liverpool or Arsenal.

Victor Moses possesses and displays many of the key attributes of a top player, and whilst his flair, ingenuity and pace is a joy for Wigan fans to watch, it is incredibly hard for the opposition to thwart such an attacking threat. In Moses, Wigan own a player that has the much-desired ability to change games with a piece of magic, perhaps the difference between themselves and fellow relegation candidates QPR. It may be a concern for Roberto Martinez at the midfielder`s lack of goals, and it is his wastefulness and inconsistencies that must be addressed. Wigan`s season hinges on Moses producing in the second half of the campaign – a rather large responsibility if you ask me.

Playing Career

It has been made no secret of Victor Moses`s troubled childhood – fleeing from Nigeria at the age of 11 following the murder of his parents, owing to the religious riots that plagued the unsettled country. He was spotted by Crystal Palace scouts playing football in a local league and was soon making a name for himself throughout the youth ranks at Selhurst Park. He made his first team debut at the tender age of 16 in 2007 and soon became a fan`s favourite, scoring his first goal in a 1-1 draw with West Brom later that season.

Appearances soon started to rack up and impressive performances were starting to get noticed from bigger clubs. The attacking midfielder went on a scoring spree netting six times in his last nine appearances for Palace, before eventually being sold to Wigan Athletic for a bargain £2.5 million as a result of the South London club`s administration. The end of the 2010 season saw Moses make mainly substitute appearances for The Latics, before he came to prominence at the DW the following season. Despite being eligible for England, Moses has recently opted to represent his home county Nigeria. He has yet to make an official appearance, however, due to cancelled friendlies and application delays.