Antonio Conte has hinted that Chelsea new-boy Michy Batshuayi could start up front against Burnley on Saturday.
The former Marseille man is already the club’s top scorer so far this season with three goals to his name, having scored a late equaliser against Watford last weekend, as well as a neat brace during the Blues EFL Cup second-round match vs Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.
Batshuayi’s presence up front has proven crucial. His assist set up Diego Costa’s late winner against West Ham on opening day, and he is showing that he can work well in a partnership with the Spanish international. However, his only appearances in the league have been off the bench.
Speaking in his Friday presser, Conte claimed to be very impressed with the striker’s attitude, and alluded to the possibility of starting him in the Blues upcoming match.
Batshuayi is a Chelsea player and I can decide to play him tomorrow. He is a young player who is improving a lot. He can improve a lot in the future, but I am impressed with his attitude and his will to improve.
It’s important to keep pressing him but I can decide to play him at the start tomorrow, yes.
The Italian also called for focus from his players ahead of the game, noting Burnley’s amazing win over Liverpool last weekend. The newly promoted Clarets ran out 2-0 winners over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, and Conte – as a result – has warned his team against complacency.
I watched their performance against Liverpool, and also against Swansea. ‘It was a fantastic performance against Liverpool from a physical and tactical aspect.
They put great pressure on Liverpool for the whole 90 minutes. It’s incredible because only one year ago many people paid attention to ball possession. This game was 25 per cent ball possession for Burnley, and 75 for Liverpool, and the final result was 2-0 to Burnley.
For this reason I told my players to pay great attention tomorrow because it’s a tough game with a good side. They are very solid in defensive situations and they are always waiting to go on the counter-attack with two very good forwards. We must pay great attention when we are attacking.
