Could Michy Batshuayi fill the void left by Diego Costa’s impending departure?

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Love him, or loath him, Diego Costa has been a pivotal figure at Stamford Bridge since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2014.

The Spaniard has plundered over a half-century of goals in his three seasons at Chelsea and has helped to fire the club to two Premier League titles during the same period.

His strength, aggression, technique and eye for goal has allowed him to flourish amongst the hustle and bustle of English football’s top flight whilst enabling him to become the central, iconic striker and focal point in Antonio Conte’s triumphant title-winning side.

However, Chelsea supporters will have been rocked by Costa’s admission, as reported by BBC Sport, that he expects to leave the club during the summer, amidst claims that Conte now considers the striker surplus to requirements.

The 28-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the Far East during the mid-season transfer window and, although the club blocked any potential move in January, it now appears that the player will be free to leave should an appropriate offer be received.

Whilst Costa’s impending departure may be perceived as a considerable blow by many onlookers, particularly in the short term, it may also open up an opportunity for another highly-rated striker that currently sits amongst Chelsea’s substitutes.

Marseille’s young hot-shot

Michy Batshuayi was one of Antonio Conte’s first signings as after the Italian was appointed as the latest Chelsea manager in the summer of 2016.

The striker arrived with a big reputation. In France, he had proven to be a dynamic offensive player who had been prolific in front of goal for Marseille and had found the net 21 times during the 2015/16 season.

He was bettered only by the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani in the goal scoring charts and was regarded as one of the brightest young players in Europe at the tender age of just 22.

Chelsea were able to beat off competition from a host of clubs to secure Batshuayi’s signature for a reported fee of £33,200,000. It was hoped that the Belgian striker would provide competition with Diego Costa to spearhead The Blues attack, although the move also represented a considerable investment for the future.

However, Batshuayi was never able to force his way into Chelsea’s starting line-up, partly due to Costa’s excellent form in front of goal and also Conte’s seeming reluctance to give the 23-year-old an opportunity to flourish.

Throughout the entire campaign the Belgian was handed just one solitary start in the Premier League and even that came against Watford when the title had already been clinched.

Yet, despite the obvious lack of game time, the statistics still shine a favourable light on the young striker’s season. He made a total of 30 appearances across all competitions and found the net on nine occasions – maintaining a ratio of almost one goal every three games in spite of limited time on the pitch.

Frustration and opportunity

When he did take to the field for Chelsea, Michy Batshuayi demonstrated the characteristics that made him such a prolific force in the French League. Movement, pace, power and an abundance of technical ability enabled the 23-year-old to score four goals in his last three league appearances, giving the supporters at Stamford Bridge a glimpse into his potential.

However, the Belgian undoubtedly requires a significant increase in the amount of game time he is granted next season in order to facilitate his development and allow him to fulfil his potential. Another campaign sitting amongst the substitutes and making cameo appearances from the bench will provide little benefit.

Batshuayi has made it clear that he will not accept another season on the periphery of first team action stating that, “Everyone knows that I have to play more, that I have to score goals. There’s a World Cup coming up next year. I want to be ready”.

The impending departure of Diego Costa may provide both the player and club with an appropriate solution.

In Batshuayi, Chelsea have one of the brightest young striking talents in Europe who has proven that he is capable of performing and scoring goals in the Premier League.

Antonio Conte must now demonstrate his faith in the 23-year-old and provide him with an opportunity to fill the void that will be left behind by Costa.

Pace, power, strength, movement and technique. Batshuayi possesses all of the characteristics required to succeed.

He just needs to be given the opportunity.

Featured Image: All Rights Reserved (Christine Sanjaya)