Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, has taken a swipe at predecessor, Jose Mourinho, by insisting it is “incredible” Victor Moses was previously underestimated by the Blues.
The Nigeria international has been a revelation since taking up the right wing-back role in the Italian’s 3-4-3 system that has inspired the Blues to top the Premier League.
Moses was overlooked by Mourinho and sent out on loan to West Ham last season, but Conte insists his quality was obvious from the moment he arrived at the club.
“I could see his potential from the first days of the summer training camp,” Conte told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I find it incredible that someone like him has been underestimated.
“Moses has important qualities: technique, physical strength, the ability to cover 70m of the pitch.
“I find it incredible that someone like him has been underestimated.”
The 25-year-old has featured 13 times already this season under Conte and grabbed three goals and an assist to emerge as a breakthrough talent for the Blues.
His Chelsea form has seen Moses make a greater impact with the Super Eagles, too, with the former Liverpool, Stoke and Wigan winger grabbing a brace in the 3-1 World Cup qualifier victory over Algeria this month.
Conte has also praised the impact of Pedro during his side’s recent good run, and lauded the contributions of top scorer, Diego Costa, and October’s Premier League player of the month, Eden Hazard.
“Pedro? He has qualities of absolute excellence. He’s perfect for the 3-4-3,” Conte added.
“As for Diego Costa, he is one of the best strikers in the world. For us it’s not just important that he’s a goalscorer, but that he works for the team.
“Eden Hazard? Eden’s talent is beyond question, he’s a world class player and a great lad. He has a surprising maturity for his age.”
