One man’s loss is another man’s gain.
For Michy Batshuayi, this has never been as relevant as it is now, as the Chelsea striker, who has played a bit part role for both club and country, now has the chance to show everyone what he can do, with both Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata injured.
Seemingly scoring every time he comes off the bench, the former Marseille star is making a name for himself in the Premier League as a solid super sub, but that’s not what strikers want to be known as, and the 24-year-old is no different.
Speaking to the Belgian press, relayed by DH, during his time with the national team, Batshuayi explained he was ready.
He said: “It’s an important moment in my career, I’m there fully focused on that goal. I already had a good start to the season last year, but it then got a bit complicated. I’ve started this one well as well, and I think it’ll continue like that.
“I don’t know what I’m missing to become a regular. It’s a question you need to ask the manager, but, on my side, I’m continuing to work and trying to score goals”.
Taking off an injured Alvaro Morata 35 minutes into the 1-0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday, Antonio Conte decided to replace him with Willian rather than the striker he had on the bench, but Batshuayi isn’t thinking about that.
“What disappointed me was the loss,” said the striker, “not my personal situation. The coach always praises me because of my daily work. Thanks to him, I’ve grown tactically. Before I didn’t compute all that, but I’ve evolved… like the rest of the team”.
As for that super-sub role, Batshuayi doesn’t feel it’s an issue, as he explained he’s already started games in the past and done well.
Basically, he’s happy.
He said: “I haven’t changed. I keep smiling because, as a child, I dreamt of playing next to some of the best footballers in the world and taking part in the great European competitions. When I wake up, I owe it to myself to be happy and understand how lucky I am thanks to God”.
