Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has been one of the most maligned players in the squad this season, following his drop in form in front of goal.
The Spain international scored quite a number of goals in the early part of this season, but has scaled down his goal scoring form and the frequency of it.
He has failed to nail down a first team berth as well in recent times due to injury and Conte’s bizarre preference to go with a false nine upfront. Olivier Giroud has come in to help in the striking department, but the Italian manager sometimes prefers to sit both strikers on the bench, starting Eden Hazard as number nine.
That does not work mostly with Conte having his fair share of the criticisms but Morata will not have a place to hide.
Fans think he is too fragile on the pitch, does not exert himself too well into games and moans about every decision that goes against him.
Conte says all these point to the fact that Morata has never been the main striker at a top club and needs patience from Chelsea fans to fulfill his ‘important’ role in Chelsea’s future.
“Don’t forget, for Morata, this is the first full season in his career. Also because, in the past, with Real Madrid and Juventus, he was on the bench. He was the first substitution if the striker was injured. For this reason, I think we must have great patience.
For sure, he is a really important prospect for Chelsea, for the present and the future. He will be in contention for tomorrow’s game. I saw great focus, great will [from Morata] to try and fight for a place. I can tell you this.”
Antonio Conte, Goal
