FT Hidden Gems Series: Daddy-Ajala Moses Simon

Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur holds off Moses Simon of Gent during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 second leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and KAA Gent at Wembley Stadium on February 23, 2017 in London, United Kingdom.

(Feb. 22, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

It is that time again where we dive into those African talents that seldom meets the eye. Yes, we are talking about the FirstTouch Africa’s Hidden Gems. We profiled players like Adama Traore, Ademola Lookman, Tinotenda Kadewere, among others and we identified the attributes that make them unique. Africa still has a lot more to offer in with talents like these that are often overlooked by the limelight. As we continue with the series, we focus our attention on Moses Simon, the Nigerian forward who plays for Levante in the Spanish La Liga.

Last appearance

Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon was a 73rd minute substitute in Levante’s match against Sevilla at Estadi Ciutat de València on the 23rd of September, 2018. The home team fell to a disappointing 6-2 defeat in front of their own fans and the African player on the rise was nowhere to be found on the pitch. He was demoted to the bench and could also not help his team early on in the match in their last outing in the Spanish La Liga. However, his late cameo managed to add pressure to the Seville club as they claimed an own goal that was conceded by Kjaer. Initially, it was thought to be Daddy Simon’s goal as he shot from the left side of the box with his left foot but it was later announced that it was an own goal. His impact was too little too late for a comeback.

“Although he was adamant that he could play, the coaching staff decided to leave him out of the Nigerian squad as he was not 100% fit. That’s how the forward missed out on the action in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

Injuries

Moses Simon of Nigeria looks on during the International Friendly match between Nigeria and Senegal at The Hive on March 23, 2017 in Barnet, England.

(March 22, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

Levante’s match against Sevilla was Moses Simon’s debut for the season after he had picked up a hamstring injury back in August. This type of injury is common among pacy athletes and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale is a prime example of a star player who struggled with these type of injuries since joining the club. The Nigerian international fought back to make it to the bench on Sunday before coming on for the club that just recently acquired him on a five-year deal from KAA Gent.

Furthermore, the Nigerian’s hopes of a world cup dream was dashed as he was ruled out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia squad of the Super Eagles due to a hip injury. Although he was adamant that he could play, the coaching staff decided to leave him out of the Nigerian squad as he was not 100% fit. That's how the forward missed out on the action in the world cup that was eventually lifted by the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Samuel Umtiti and Benjamin Mendy.

Style of play

Although the 23-year old’s debut was enough to show that the African player is a goal threat,

17 minutes on the field of play were too brief to comprehend all his attributes. The pacy forward is aggressive in the final third which is probably the reason why Levante invested £4.5million to bring him to their club.

Also, Moses Simon can play as a stand in winger. Most African players playing in Europe have been deployed in various positions which aren't their best but they still do the job. Daddy is no different. He can play on either wings and his pace is a deadly threat. He however, has to compete with the likes of the resurged Iwobi and the newcomer, Ademola Lookman for a place in the starting lineup for his national side, the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Final note

Previous links to transfer to the likes of Liverpool before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia just shows why Moses is such a top quality player who could be on the move to a bigger club in the near future.