Brought to London from Nigeria as an 11 year old Victor Moses joined Crystal Palace after being spotted playing in South London park leagues.
Though quiet and far more unassuming than most of his contemporaries there was no doubting his natural talent and a number of decent goalscoring records in the junior ranks - 50 in one season as an under 14 - was further evidence of his ability.
So too his starring role in the 2005 Schools Cup final when he scored all the goals in a 5-0 win over a team from Grimsby in shirts as scarlet as their faces were left on the final whistle.
The Grimsby Evening Telegraph’s headline said it all: "Holy Moses - Wonder Player Parts Red Sea".
A first team debut with Palace came at 16 in November 2007 and after a brief hiatus he has remained a fixture in the Palace side.
Half a dozen goals in the current campaign his second full season and a string of rave reviews in each of the many scouting reports filed on him means the Eagles hold the hottest property in domestic football.
Eyed up by a clutch of Premiership and European clubs including Real Madrid the world and a bright future in the game is literally at the teenager’s feet.
Moses plays through the middle or wide on either flank. However, despite turning out mostly on the left over the past few months he is hugely effective in a central role including that of second striker.
Ryan Babel is a similar type of player though perhaps not the best measure as while the Dutchman has everything a top striker needs plus immense versatility he is seemingly nearing the end of his stay at Anfield.
By contrast Moses possibly because of trauma suffered back in his homeland where his parents were killed as a result of religious violence seems to have the drive to reach the top of his profession.
He will seemingly bust a gut to get there which along with his natural ability makes him a valuable asset and a sharp relief to Babel.
Neil Warnock is not Liverpool’s or indeed Rafa Benitez’s biggest fan after the denouement to the 2006-07 campaign but would not stand in the player’s way if he opted to continue his career on Merseyside.
He couldn’t in any case. Acute financial problems make a sale inevitable and club officials admit it is possibly imminent as agreements with more than one club are set to be sealed. The rest will be up to the player.
Liverpool have in the past missed out on young talent by allowing others to plunder deals which were more or less done as the person then in charge of negotiations dithered, switched off his mobile or fax. Most galling of all because he was receiving specialist coaching at Melwood.
The Reds are said to be amongst the keenest clubs negotiating with Simon Jordan.
Many deals mooted have been loan options with a permanent switch in the summer. However, this option is unlikely to smooth any wrinkles in negotiations unless there is a huge down payment which would at least settle Palace’s outstanding tax liabilities.
It could be the best for the player who would at least remain a regular part of one team’s first team picture rather than got lost in development ahead of being gradually unleashed on top flight backlines. Though he will not remain at Selhurst Park unless Moses goes back until June to Croydon having been bought by another club.
Though strong, full of pace, skilled and able to find the net he confounds experienced and hardened defenders through good technique. Almost certainly ready for a sterner test as he has been schooled in a manner hosts of promising youngsters from the nation’s top clubs have troden.
A player who would fit into any squad and not a bad shout for Liverpool in the short term given that there is a need for a strong and direct presence. Whether it is fair to that the burden of shadowing and replacing Fernando Torres when the Spaniard is out should rest on his shoulders like it has done on davis Ngog is another question.
Showing posts with label Fernando Torres. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fernando Torres. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Carragher's star return
All manner of theories abound when a player loses form. Particularly when he descends from the lofty height Jamie Carragher occupies.
Though he has possessed an edge which has made him imperious at the back Liverpool's vice-captain has so rarely been lauded outside the confines of L4. He was overlooked by a succession of international managers while a media which gnashed its teeth when centre halves fell victim to inconsistent form or injury never called for his name to top the list of alternatives let alone become a first pick.
However, England's loss has most certainly been Liverpool's gain.
Pundits only now taking note of his name would not usually concern the unassuming Bootle born defender. That would be unless their column inches and hot air were not concerning a lack of form which has bedevilled his season so far.
The term started average at best for Carragher who though a Blue while in short trousers has typified a spirit any boyhood Red would have brought to the team. His performances in arenas across the globe exemplify the character and standards of being a Liverpudlian. Some fans have identified with him more than the club captain.
Not all of Jamie's near 600 appearances have been as high profile as a magical night in Istanbul back in May 2005 but as a precis of the player and man it points to an absolute quality - sheer defiance, pure courage and heart.
These assets have seen him outlast and eventually see off a host of challengers to his place in the side.
Many thought he could have given so much that a 13 season career had stretched just a few months too far - at least at the highest level.
Typically honest and frank about his contribution as well as that of others Carragher has pointed a finger squarely in his own direction for part of Liverpool's travails. He has confessed to neither relaxing or sleeping after a game as he needed to pour over videos and stats.
Causes or reasons for the blip - as that what it now seems to be rather than any form of downward slide - experienced have not been easy to ascertain and even less clear to explain.
A desire for full-backs to thrust forward at every opportunity has been identified as unbalancing the usually rigid Liverpool defence. Though what seems certain is that Daniel Agger's return may just have arrested any further slide.
Liverpool lost at home to Lyon and errors were made by the rearguard but with the Dane amongst their number Carragher looked far more assured than he has done so far alongside Martin Skrtel.
Emiliano Insua was in no small way culpable for the French champion's winner which may have hinted at a continued lack of organisation amongst the four on duty. However, move the clock forward a few days and though the young Argentine made a couple of early errors he along with the overtly disciplined Glen Johnson were otherwise faultless.
Johnson certainly nailed the that lie he has no ability as a defensive full-back even if he does lack a few of the basics. His display against Manchester United was, though largely restrained, little short of consummate. Though not exactly unique.
On Sunday each defender and the unit remained compact and were superbly marshalled by the man with the armband which in turn set a template for the entire XI - front to back and from one flank to another.
It allowed the ball to be won in the engine room where Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes - though particularly the latter - had their usual rhythm disrupted. With play fired up towards the front two - something of a surprise to Alex Ferguson - Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt exploited the doubts and fallibilities evident in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Up top the visitors were starved of the same type of service with Wayne Rooney isolated and Agger in no small measure responsible for Dimitar Berbatov's 74 minutes of toil.
There was no more creditable choice for Man of the Match especially with Steve Bruce not making the selection.
A man who has made Liverpool tick since Rafael Benitez asked him to turn out as a specialist centre back rather than something of a utility man was blocking and whether on the floor or in the air hunting down trouble with the same verve and force of nature in the challenge he displayed in Istanbul most notably - but many other less illustrious venues and occasions.
Though he has possessed an edge which has made him imperious at the back Liverpool's vice-captain has so rarely been lauded outside the confines of L4. He was overlooked by a succession of international managers while a media which gnashed its teeth when centre halves fell victim to inconsistent form or injury never called for his name to top the list of alternatives let alone become a first pick.
However, England's loss has most certainly been Liverpool's gain.
Pundits only now taking note of his name would not usually concern the unassuming Bootle born defender. That would be unless their column inches and hot air were not concerning a lack of form which has bedevilled his season so far.
The term started average at best for Carragher who though a Blue while in short trousers has typified a spirit any boyhood Red would have brought to the team. His performances in arenas across the globe exemplify the character and standards of being a Liverpudlian. Some fans have identified with him more than the club captain.
Not all of Jamie's near 600 appearances have been as high profile as a magical night in Istanbul back in May 2005 but as a precis of the player and man it points to an absolute quality - sheer defiance, pure courage and heart.
These assets have seen him outlast and eventually see off a host of challengers to his place in the side.
Many thought he could have given so much that a 13 season career had stretched just a few months too far - at least at the highest level.
Typically honest and frank about his contribution as well as that of others Carragher has pointed a finger squarely in his own direction for part of Liverpool's travails. He has confessed to neither relaxing or sleeping after a game as he needed to pour over videos and stats.
Causes or reasons for the blip - as that what it now seems to be rather than any form of downward slide - experienced have not been easy to ascertain and even less clear to explain.
A desire for full-backs to thrust forward at every opportunity has been identified as unbalancing the usually rigid Liverpool defence. Though what seems certain is that Daniel Agger's return may just have arrested any further slide.
Liverpool lost at home to Lyon and errors were made by the rearguard but with the Dane amongst their number Carragher looked far more assured than he has done so far alongside Martin Skrtel.
Emiliano Insua was in no small way culpable for the French champion's winner which may have hinted at a continued lack of organisation amongst the four on duty. However, move the clock forward a few days and though the young Argentine made a couple of early errors he along with the overtly disciplined Glen Johnson were otherwise faultless.
Johnson certainly nailed the that lie he has no ability as a defensive full-back even if he does lack a few of the basics. His display against Manchester United was, though largely restrained, little short of consummate. Though not exactly unique.
On Sunday each defender and the unit remained compact and were superbly marshalled by the man with the armband which in turn set a template for the entire XI - front to back and from one flank to another.
It allowed the ball to be won in the engine room where Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes - though particularly the latter - had their usual rhythm disrupted. With play fired up towards the front two - something of a surprise to Alex Ferguson - Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt exploited the doubts and fallibilities evident in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Up top the visitors were starved of the same type of service with Wayne Rooney isolated and Agger in no small measure responsible for Dimitar Berbatov's 74 minutes of toil.
There was no more creditable choice for Man of the Match especially with Steve Bruce not making the selection.
A man who has made Liverpool tick since Rafael Benitez asked him to turn out as a specialist centre back rather than something of a utility man was blocking and whether on the floor or in the air hunting down trouble with the same verve and force of nature in the challenge he displayed in Istanbul most notably - but many other less illustrious venues and occasions.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Heskey should stay a Villain
When Emile Heskey left Liverpool in the summer of 2004 it was a move to both his and the club’s benefit. But a player who had it all simply lost his way at Anfield.
Even at a club record £11 million fee his purchase by Gerard Houllier didn’t seem a bad piece of business at all.
The Reds who had invested a comparatively modest amount for a player at the peak of his powers when other transfer fees were spiralling and the domestic record set four years earlier in 1996 was some 36% higher. Rumours which proved well founded suggested defenders were set to change hands for almost £20 million at the time.
Heskey had pace, power and stamina. Not to mention immense strength which gave him an ability to hold the ball. Allied to this was an intelligence to draw defenders out which meant he was able to dovetail perfectly with two the deadliest strikers in domestic football - Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.
He could be criticised for not finding the net often enough but most of his goals no matter how short in supply were top class finishes. It was hoped that his prowess could be harnessed better at a club like Liverpool and for one season at least it was.
Emile made an outstanding contribution to the treble cup win in 2000-01 then the next campaign when the Reds finished Premiership runners-up. A tantalising - or so it seemed then - seven points adrift of champions Arsenal.
The type of player Didier Drogba is held to be is precisely what Heskey could have been viewed as.
To some extent he would be, though there are unfortunate comparisons about their respective ability to stay on two feet when challenged - but for very different reasons.
Unfortunately allied to those doubts about his own abilities there were disappointments with the physical side of Heskey’s game. For such a huge man who had in the past proved he had abundant strength he was often pushed off the ball and found earth with great regularity at the merest touch.
After that it could often take him time to make a recovery. He made 176 starts for the club and was substituted exactly 50 times. A statistic which often told its own story.
With that to battle against the goals which he plundered with sufficient if not immense regularly for most of his career dried up. One barren stretch lasted 18 games which was too long for any forward player, regardless of his role, not to find the score sheet.
A skilled player when everything was going for him suddenly lost his touch ands within a couple of seasons his confidence - such an important factor to most players’ games but crucial to Emile - had plummeted. So had his value. His initial cost had more or less halved over four seasons as was his stock within the game.
Now not only is Emile Heskey back and established in the England squad. Despite notions to the contrary he is set to be a prime candidate for a berth in the party to leave for South Africa in the summer. Though worries held by Michael Owen and David Beckham who are each lacking regular top class games are beginning to affect him.
Aston Villa and Liverpool were the most realistic destinations when it became clear he would run his contract with Wigan down almost a year ago. Rather than allow him to walk away as a free agent the Latics sought to recoup most of their initial investment. And did so.
Liverpool would not have paid the £4.5 million it took to establish a link up with former Leicester manager Martin O‘Neill.
Heskey thrived under the former Northern Ireland international during his time at Filbert Street where he acted as a selfless target man and revitalised the career of Tony Cottee. The Foxes without a final since 1969 won the League Cup twice in a few seasons.
Initially O’Neill’s use of a 4-5-1 formation suited Heskey for much of the final months of the last season even if the Midland side were not able to hold off Arsenal for a Champions League spot and eventually hauled in by Everton to finish sixth.
No doubt experience and reflecting on what he may have achieved but for a little more confidence had he remained on Merseyside have helped the player work out those problems which saw him struggle and finally become recognised as a player of genuine quality.
Anyone who spoke to Emile during his time with Liverpool was rarely left in any doubt about his passion for the club - he really did seem to have been a boyhood fan - and desire to pick up not just silverware but the biggest prizes the game has to offer.
The most satisfying thing for Heskey must be that although he has finally managed to get many of those missing dimensions in to his game he is still a player prepared to graft not only for his own benefit but that of those around him.
However, Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew have been preferred options so far this term and in the former’s case there is no argument to make given his performances and goal scoring.
Though one start all season does not necessarily mean minutes on the pitch will be at a premium.
Heskey never worked under Rafa Benitez who it is said would have retained his services if
amongst the pool of players inherited from his predecessor.
That may be true but how long that association would have lasted is another matter. At that stage the then 26 year old needed an arm around his shoulder and reassurance about his contribution to the club plus the security of his first team place.
Rafa would not have been that comforting figure and rotation would have been unbearable half a decade ago but by leaving Anfield he may just have had a future in L4 - had he returned last year.
Denial of the quotes attributed to him now he is back from national service have been issued but transcripts of his turn on the press conference rota clearly show he admitted he had worries about adding to the number of caps won and it was therefore a situation he would have to address in the New Year.
There may have been no clear statement that he would leave or issue a transfer request but it fuelled more speculation and created stories about a possible destination. Once more Liverpool came into the reckoning - so too a return too Wigan. Or possibly Birmingham now there is a £40 million "war chest" at Alex McLeish's disposal.
Now 31 and with not just experience but having displayed he can ride the blows life throws at him Emile Heskey has probably shown he has the mental toughness to play for a club challenging for the major honours though for all he could contribute a second spell at Anfield remains a distant possibility.
Possibly inadvisable even if Heskey could fit well into the template and bring more from a marauding Steven Gerrard, a swarming Alberto Aquilani -when fit - and a vibrant Fernando Torres amongst others.
Liverpool are struggling to make a full transition from a side that has been understandably cautious at times into one that unleashes a high tempo pressing style from each angle due to new personnel and it is causing some teething problems.
Heskey has made Rooney prolific on the international stage and for that reason alone would probably be considered a safe bet to remain in Fabio Cappello’s plans despite less starts than he would prefer at club level.
The England coach has continued to select him for games that count and not only has he benefited Rooney. Gerrard and Frank Lampard have - also with Beckham’s almost wholesale exclusion - found a way to not only play in the same side but exert their respective influences.
Peter Crouch's recent double against Belarus is unlikely to change Capello's game plan and the coach has proved he makes no selection based on sentiment though unlike Rafa Benitez is lauded for the approach.
In any case there remains every chance that more starts will come at Villa Park and the comments made simply filled a vacuum a lack of club football has left.
Liverpool would also be best advised to place the money his signing would cost to one side - presuming it is there in any case - and use it for more urgent needs.
Even at a club record £11 million fee his purchase by Gerard Houllier didn’t seem a bad piece of business at all.
The Reds who had invested a comparatively modest amount for a player at the peak of his powers when other transfer fees were spiralling and the domestic record set four years earlier in 1996 was some 36% higher. Rumours which proved well founded suggested defenders were set to change hands for almost £20 million at the time.
Heskey had pace, power and stamina. Not to mention immense strength which gave him an ability to hold the ball. Allied to this was an intelligence to draw defenders out which meant he was able to dovetail perfectly with two the deadliest strikers in domestic football - Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.
He could be criticised for not finding the net often enough but most of his goals no matter how short in supply were top class finishes. It was hoped that his prowess could be harnessed better at a club like Liverpool and for one season at least it was.
Emile made an outstanding contribution to the treble cup win in 2000-01 then the next campaign when the Reds finished Premiership runners-up. A tantalising - or so it seemed then - seven points adrift of champions Arsenal.
The type of player Didier Drogba is held to be is precisely what Heskey could have been viewed as.
To some extent he would be, though there are unfortunate comparisons about their respective ability to stay on two feet when challenged - but for very different reasons.
Unfortunately allied to those doubts about his own abilities there were disappointments with the physical side of Heskey’s game. For such a huge man who had in the past proved he had abundant strength he was often pushed off the ball and found earth with great regularity at the merest touch.
After that it could often take him time to make a recovery. He made 176 starts for the club and was substituted exactly 50 times. A statistic which often told its own story.
With that to battle against the goals which he plundered with sufficient if not immense regularly for most of his career dried up. One barren stretch lasted 18 games which was too long for any forward player, regardless of his role, not to find the score sheet.
A skilled player when everything was going for him suddenly lost his touch ands within a couple of seasons his confidence - such an important factor to most players’ games but crucial to Emile - had plummeted. So had his value. His initial cost had more or less halved over four seasons as was his stock within the game.
Now not only is Emile Heskey back and established in the England squad. Despite notions to the contrary he is set to be a prime candidate for a berth in the party to leave for South Africa in the summer. Though worries held by Michael Owen and David Beckham who are each lacking regular top class games are beginning to affect him.
Aston Villa and Liverpool were the most realistic destinations when it became clear he would run his contract with Wigan down almost a year ago. Rather than allow him to walk away as a free agent the Latics sought to recoup most of their initial investment. And did so.
Liverpool would not have paid the £4.5 million it took to establish a link up with former Leicester manager Martin O‘Neill.
Heskey thrived under the former Northern Ireland international during his time at Filbert Street where he acted as a selfless target man and revitalised the career of Tony Cottee. The Foxes without a final since 1969 won the League Cup twice in a few seasons.
Initially O’Neill’s use of a 4-5-1 formation suited Heskey for much of the final months of the last season even if the Midland side were not able to hold off Arsenal for a Champions League spot and eventually hauled in by Everton to finish sixth.
No doubt experience and reflecting on what he may have achieved but for a little more confidence had he remained on Merseyside have helped the player work out those problems which saw him struggle and finally become recognised as a player of genuine quality.
Anyone who spoke to Emile during his time with Liverpool was rarely left in any doubt about his passion for the club - he really did seem to have been a boyhood fan - and desire to pick up not just silverware but the biggest prizes the game has to offer.
The most satisfying thing for Heskey must be that although he has finally managed to get many of those missing dimensions in to his game he is still a player prepared to graft not only for his own benefit but that of those around him.
However, Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew have been preferred options so far this term and in the former’s case there is no argument to make given his performances and goal scoring.
Though one start all season does not necessarily mean minutes on the pitch will be at a premium.
Heskey never worked under Rafa Benitez who it is said would have retained his services if
amongst the pool of players inherited from his predecessor.
That may be true but how long that association would have lasted is another matter. At that stage the then 26 year old needed an arm around his shoulder and reassurance about his contribution to the club plus the security of his first team place.
Rafa would not have been that comforting figure and rotation would have been unbearable half a decade ago but by leaving Anfield he may just have had a future in L4 - had he returned last year.
Denial of the quotes attributed to him now he is back from national service have been issued but transcripts of his turn on the press conference rota clearly show he admitted he had worries about adding to the number of caps won and it was therefore a situation he would have to address in the New Year.
There may have been no clear statement that he would leave or issue a transfer request but it fuelled more speculation and created stories about a possible destination. Once more Liverpool came into the reckoning - so too a return too Wigan. Or possibly Birmingham now there is a £40 million "war chest" at Alex McLeish's disposal.
Now 31 and with not just experience but having displayed he can ride the blows life throws at him Emile Heskey has probably shown he has the mental toughness to play for a club challenging for the major honours though for all he could contribute a second spell at Anfield remains a distant possibility.
Possibly inadvisable even if Heskey could fit well into the template and bring more from a marauding Steven Gerrard, a swarming Alberto Aquilani -when fit - and a vibrant Fernando Torres amongst others.
Liverpool are struggling to make a full transition from a side that has been understandably cautious at times into one that unleashes a high tempo pressing style from each angle due to new personnel and it is causing some teething problems.
Heskey has made Rooney prolific on the international stage and for that reason alone would probably be considered a safe bet to remain in Fabio Cappello’s plans despite less starts than he would prefer at club level.
The England coach has continued to select him for games that count and not only has he benefited Rooney. Gerrard and Frank Lampard have - also with Beckham’s almost wholesale exclusion - found a way to not only play in the same side but exert their respective influences.
Peter Crouch's recent double against Belarus is unlikely to change Capello's game plan and the coach has proved he makes no selection based on sentiment though unlike Rafa Benitez is lauded for the approach.
In any case there remains every chance that more starts will come at Villa Park and the comments made simply filled a vacuum a lack of club football has left.
Liverpool would also be best advised to place the money his signing would cost to one side - presuming it is there in any case - and use it for more urgent needs.
Sunday, 9 August 2009
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men
Rafael Benitez may have meticulous plans for the development of his young players now he has fuller authority over the junior ranks but even at ten past three his curriculum would not have involved Danny Ayala or Mikel san Jose facing Diego Forlan and Sergio Agüero.
The South American duo are two of the hottest strikers in European football and have formed a partnership teams from La Liga and further afield envy.
Many observers believe the teenage Ayala has potential to become a top class international. San Jose is a little older but has also done well in the junior levels earning caps at a host of levels including under-21 but to place such expectation on the pair would have been harsh.
However, noting that Athletico’s opener came when the Reds were down to ten men and the backline was being hastily rearranged there was some mitigation.
That said the finish was of the highest quality as was the second Madrid goal even if it, like the opener, the visitors were assisted by a touch of naivety for both strikes.
Lucas Leiva who has worked hard to improve his fitness and stamina over the summer is reaping rewards with some fine performances in midfield plus a late goal after linking with Steven Gerrard.
The skipper’s understanding with Fernando Torres looks likely to remain as productive as it was last season. fitness allowing. Gerrard's promptings created more than half a dozen chances for the forward who should have bagged at least one but will trust his ability to fire on all cylinders with a little more fine tuning.
Glen Johnson gave an impressive home bow - popping across the field when it was an option - and was another who linked well with Gerrard.
His instructions to raid measured alongside similar instincts of Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio when he returns suggest the frailties which led home draws with the likes of Stoke, West Ham and Fulham amongst others - the results which effectively denied Liverpool the title - will be addressed.
Worries about scorelines should be out into perspective by news emerging from Spain on Saturday evening. Daniel Jarque who skippered Espanyol against Liverpool in last weekend’s friendly died following a training session in Coverciano, Italy.
The 26 year old is believed to have suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
The South American duo are two of the hottest strikers in European football and have formed a partnership teams from La Liga and further afield envy.
Many observers believe the teenage Ayala has potential to become a top class international. San Jose is a little older but has also done well in the junior levels earning caps at a host of levels including under-21 but to place such expectation on the pair would have been harsh.
However, noting that Athletico’s opener came when the Reds were down to ten men and the backline was being hastily rearranged there was some mitigation.
That said the finish was of the highest quality as was the second Madrid goal even if it, like the opener, the visitors were assisted by a touch of naivety for both strikes.
Lucas Leiva who has worked hard to improve his fitness and stamina over the summer is reaping rewards with some fine performances in midfield plus a late goal after linking with Steven Gerrard.
The skipper’s understanding with Fernando Torres looks likely to remain as productive as it was last season. fitness allowing. Gerrard's promptings created more than half a dozen chances for the forward who should have bagged at least one but will trust his ability to fire on all cylinders with a little more fine tuning.
Glen Johnson gave an impressive home bow - popping across the field when it was an option - and was another who linked well with Gerrard.
His instructions to raid measured alongside similar instincts of Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio when he returns suggest the frailties which led home draws with the likes of Stoke, West Ham and Fulham amongst others - the results which effectively denied Liverpool the title - will be addressed.
Worries about scorelines should be out into perspective by news emerging from Spain on Saturday evening. Daniel Jarque who skippered Espanyol against Liverpool in last weekend’s friendly died following a training session in Coverciano, Italy.
The 26 year old is believed to have suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
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