Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Ever since his switch to Chelsea, Michy Batshuayi has always played second fiddle. First, it was to Diego Costa in his first season at the Bridge, now, it’s to Alvaro Morata— two Spain internationals benching the Belgium star. Statistics however show that this has nothing to do with country ties, but with his overall ability to really step up and play when it matters most. In his home country of Belgium, Batshuayi isn’t the main striker either. So it would seem he’s yet to quite convince his coaches he’s worthy of trust.

At Chelsea, Batshuayi has not been a disappointment. Take away the own goal he scored almost immediately after he came on against Tottenham, and he’s had a wonderful time here, but he needs to step up his game if he truly must become a great, and challenge Morata for a starting spot. The one good thing he has working for him is that he has a strong build. Body strength is a trait he possesses but rarely uses and using his body strength more would definitely help him in the Premier League.

With Morata out injured for a few weeks, Batshuayi will have a great chance to prove he can play for a top club like Chelsea as the main striker. He has to show composure, and the same deadly finishing that makes strikers like Morata a fan’s delight. If he manages to score often within the 4-8 weeks Morata is expected to be out, he’ll be difficult to discard upon the former’s return.

Key to this happening is him willing to put in extra work, and build a good on-field relationship with Eden Hazard. It was something Morata did seamlessly, and it was starting to pay off before his injury hit. Costa before he left also had a similar partnership with Fabregas. A striker cannot function without proper understanding with his midfield. Batshuayi will have to make his own work for him if he’s to really succeed in Morata’s absence.