Antonio Conte has praised Michy Batshuayi’s improvement after the striker’s double against Arsenal on Saturday but has stressed that the Belgian’s positional skills will be key to getting a regular role at Chelsea.
The Premier League champions strolled past Arsenal in their opening pre-season fixture in Beijing with Batshuayi scoring twice and setting up Willian for the game’s opener shortly before half-time.
Batshuayi, who was a £33 million signing from Marseille last summer, was used only sparingly by Conte last season, starting just one game and was even overlooked in Diego Costa’s absence.
Chelsea have now completed the signing of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid to replace Costa and Conte has given no indication that Batshuayi will be his leading striker next term, despite his impressive start to pre-season.
‘Last season it was a difficult season for Michy but don’t forget he scored a very important goal to give us the title,’ said the Chelsea manager after the 3-0 win over Arsenal.
‘I think last season 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.
‘After one year he is working very well and he is improving.
‘Me and my staff want to improve every player and Batshuayi is a young player with great potential and it is important for him and for us to work in this way, and 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.’
MORE : Arsene Wenger rules out Arsenal selling Alexis Sanchez to PSG
Share this with