Is this the right time for Michy Batshuayi to step up?

Michy Batshuayi has been over looked by Antonio Conte on numerous occasions in the past and that doesn’t seemed to have changed in Chelsea’s match against Manchester City, when Morata limped off the field with a hamstring injury. Any other manager would have called up his backup striker in such situations when the main forward needs to be replaced but Conte, previously used Hazard as false No.9 when Costa was not available and against City, he called upon Willian to replace the injured Morata.

There have been many clear indications that Conte doesn’t trust Batshuayi to not think twice before giving him an opportunity on the pitch. So, had Conte replaced Morata with Michy, would the result have changed? Perhaps but there is no telling it with certainty. However, playing with a natural striker seems to be a more positive approach.

Now, that Morata too will be away for more than three weeks with injury, Will Conte give, Batshuayi the green signal? I seriously think that he should. Let’s face it, he’s not as bad as many think he is. He might not be as prolific as Costa but he still had scored 5 goals across all competitions this term in just 7 appearance. Though he was given a starting role only in the cup competitions, he seized it. Also, if the linkup play is good and the ball is delivered to him in the box, he goes for goal even with the smallest opportunity. Sometimes, the team needs to change their game play for better results and if that change brings the best out of Michy Batshuayi, I don’t see the harm in doing it.

There is no denying the fact that Batshuayi too must need to improve a few qualities from his end. His ball control and first touch needs some serious improvements. He has been a playful character ever since his arrival to Chelsea but perhaps it’s time for him to take things a little more seriously and give his hundred percent if he wants to have a future with Chelsea.