Why Victor Moses Deserves First-Team Chance at Liverpool

When Liverpool signed Victor Moses on loan from Chelsea in the final days of the summer transfer window, it was seen by some as being a shrewd addition to the Reds' squad.

After all, Moses is still only 22, has Premier League pedigree and could provide the solution to Brendan Rodgers' pursuit of a player to fill the left-sided attacking role.

As explained by Crystal Palace supporter and Moses fan, David Matthews at This Is Anfield, Moses' best position is as the left forward in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation:

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Moses prefers to do the majority of his work in a wide position, relishing the opportunity to take on full backs before cutting inside onto his stronger right foot. Give him space, and he’ll exploit 1v1 opportunities with ease. He has tremendous feet, wonderful balance, and a great change of pace.

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It was those attributes that were perfectly displayed when Moses scored on his debut for the club at Swansea—cutting in from the left side on to his right foot to finish smartly from the edge of the box, just as Matthews had explained.

That night, Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, Moses left, Philippe Coutinho central in his preferred No. 10 role, Jordan Henderson drifting inside from the right and Daniel Sturridge as the forward.

Moses, as well as getting his goal, had impressive stats before being subbed late on as he tired on his first start of the season—he had three successful "take-ons" in the final third (stat via Squawka). This shows his desire to take on and commit defenders.

Change in Shape

Alas, the return of Luis Suarez shortly after created a headache for Rodgers, with the Northern Irishman opting to play him alongside Sturridge in a traditional front-two partnership.

Rodgers did so initially by playing three at the back and Moses was given the role behind the front two in Coutinho's absence through injury.

This again showed what Matthews had written was correct—playing centrally was not Moses' best position.

So with Rodgers adopting a narrow 4-4-2 shape in recent games, Moses has found himself on the bench, Coutinho playing from the left but drifting inside since his return from injury.

In this current system, there isn't room for natural wide men such as Moses.

The former Wigan attacker is clearly eager to retain his place in the side, telling The Mirror newspaper, “I’ve always gone to places for the football - places where I’m going to play. By playing, you learn."

“It may seem I’ve been around for a long time, but I’m still only 22. I think I can develop a lot more, but I realise to achieve that I’ve got to play as much as possible.”

Opportunity

With three games inside seven days, starting with the visit to Hull on Sunday and followed by home games against Norwich and West Ham, you'd expect that Rodgers will use this time to rotate his options and thus give the newly crowned Nigerian footballer of the year a chance.

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proud and honoured to win the Nigerian Footballer of the year award for 2013.Is a dream come true to play for my country so thank you every1

— Victor Moses (@VictorMoses) November 27, 2013"

The Liverpool manager could opt for a return to the 4-2-3-1 shape in one of the fixtures, possibly giving one of his key front two a rest ahead of the busy festive period that sees his side travel to Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Therefore, Moses can occupy his preferred position on the left and Coutinho in the central No. 10 role. Liverpool would still have plenty of attacking threat even without Suarez and Sturridge in tandem.

Another reason why Moses' introduction could be timely is that, with right-footed youngster Jon Flanagan deputising at left-back, it means that the width from that position isn't as forthcoming as usual. By playing Moses there, it ensures the opposing team's right-back is occupied.

With no European action, Rodgers has rarely had reason to rotate his squad so far this season, but with the busy festive period around the corner and these three "winnable" fixtures inside seven days, he has the opportunity to do so.