There is no doubt that Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has made an impressive start to the season for The Blues. However, the 24-year-old often comes under criticism for his performances, such as in the aftermath to the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The aim for Batshuayi must be to ensure he is never open to this sort of criticism by continuing to do what he does best and that is finding the back of the net.
Conte praises his young striker
Antonio Conte has revealed this week that he often found it difficult to deal with Batshuayi last season when he could not find a place for him in the starting line-up. He had arrived from Ligue 1 side Marseille for a significant fee of around £33 million, yet he was not getting a look-in at Stamford Bridge. This caused him to be left a very frustrated figure on the sidelines.
However, Conte does believe that the striker has improved vastly this season, mainly due to his increased number of opportunities in the team. So far this season, he has found the back of the net seven times in a total of 10 appearances. This is not a bad return for any striker, especially in the top flight of English football. Despite this, Batshuayi will be very keen to improve on his tally further to ensure he retains his place.
Diego Costa left big void to fill
It was always going to be a tough task for Batshuayi to fill the void left by Diego Costa by himself. This was a key reason behind the arrival of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid for a fee of around £70 million. However, despite Morata’s arrival, Batshuayi has still been given numerous opportunities and found the back of the net more times than not. It appears that Conte still views Morata as his number one striker but no longer fears playing Batshuayi when needed.
Before the controversy surrounding Costa this summer, he had actually been an enormous success at the club. Last season he found the back of the net 20 times in 35 appearances in the Premier League. This was a key reason behind the Blues being able to win the title. However, many would argue that having both Morata and Batshuayi scoring this season leaves the squad in a better place. Perhaps the Blues were too reliant on Costa last season and to have two strikers who are proven goalscorers in the division is arguably better.
What’s next for Chelsea and Batshuayi?
Chelsea’s next game in the Premier League comes against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening. It will certainly be interesting to see whether Batshuayi gets the nod in this one or not. Due to the fact that he started in midweek in the Carabao Cup, Morata could be the one to start in this one. If Batshuayi does have to settle for a place on the bench, he must make sure he makes an impact when given the opportunity to prove any doubters he has wrong.
