Did Michy Batshuayi’s man-of-the-match display against Arsenal stake his claim for a starting spot for Chelsea?

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Antonio Conte, quoted by the Guardian, described Michy Batshuayi’s debut season in the Premier League as “a difficult season”. Given that he did not start a Premier League game until the title was already wrapped up, that is something of an understatement.

Conte criticised the Belgian, saying “he had a bit of difficulty because it is not easy to play in the Premier League, it is a physical league and a very strong league.” On Saturday, he looked to show that he has overcome those issues. His two goal performance against Arsenal in a friendly was the exact kind of statement that the 23-year-old needed to make.

Batshuayi was a nuisance for the Gunners throughout and got on the scoresheet not long before half-time as he found space before controlling the ball exquisitely and calmly sending it straight into the far corner past David Ospina.

The second was even better. The striker had dropped deep, something rarely done by a striker in Conte’s system, and he ran on to a cut back from Marcos Alonso before smashing the ball into the top corner. Two impressive goals from the former Marseille man will have done wonders for his confidence.

Post-match, his convincing display earned him praise from the boss though, as he clearly indicated, saying “after one year he is working very well and he is improving… Batshuayi is a young player with great potential.”

So, how can Batshuayi earn a regular spot in the Chelsea side? Well, Conte almost outlined it for him, saying “it is important for him to understand what I want. For me the striker is very important, he is a point of reference. If he stays in the right position, it is easier for us, for the team and to play good football.”

It’s clear to see why Conte may be looking into the likes of Fernando Llorente, according to the Independent, but many more performances like that and Batshuayi could find himself in contention.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by emyeu sss7.