Date: 4th July 2016 at 3:52pm
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In 2004, a 26-year-old striker made his move from the south of France to the heart of west London. 12 years later, Chelsea have found themselves another exciting centre-forward.

Since the 2010-11 season, the Blues have been without two recognised frontmen. Now, after Roman Abramovich splashed the cash, Chelsea find themselves with two prolific strikers in Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi.

Shoot takes a closer look at the new Chelsea man.

How did it all begin for Batshuayi?

Born in the capital of Belgium, Brussels, the young striker made his name on the district of Park Pirsoul in Sint-Agatha-Berchum. Labelled as selfish and a ‘bad boy’, Batshuayi’s interest to entertain has seen him put in a bad light.

He had an interesting youth career. Starting in 2003, he played for five academies and eventually settled at one of Belgium’s more prestigious teams, Standard Liege, in 2008.

What happened next?

After playing for the Standard Liege academy for three years, Batshuayi was called into the first team, appearing 120 times and scoring 44 goals.

In August 2014, after three years in the first team, Marseille agreed a £4.5 million fee for the talented Belgian. He made his debut the next day, coming on as a substitute and replacing Dimtri Payet in the 79th minute.

His first goal however, came on October 29, in a 2-1 defeat to Rennes in the third round of the Coupe de la Ligue. In his first season, he managed to score 10 goals – nine in the league and one in the cup.

FOOT - L1 - 21 February 2016 Marseille v St Etienne : Michy Batshuayi celebrates after his 94th minute equalising goal for Marseille. rekik (karim) romao (alaixys)

Batshuayi celebrates a goal for Marseille.

Why was he a target for Chelsea?

The second season for the Belgian proved to be the breakthrough, as he scored 23 goals and provided 10 assists in 49 matches. He was the fourth-highest scorer in the French league last term, behind stellar names such as Alexandre Lacazette, Edinson Cavani and top scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

With his tremendous season came a lot of interest. English sides, West Ham and Tottenham, were interested as well as Italian giants Juventus, but it was Crystal Palace who made a bid of £31.8 million. Marseille accepted the offer, however the player was not too keen to head to south London.

Instead, it was Chelsea who appealed to him the most. The Blues outbid Palace with a £33.2 million offer and secured their man.

How has he performed on the international stage?

Although Batshuayi was eligible to play for the DR Congo national team through his parents, he opted to represent Belgium instead.

On his debut in a major tournament, at Euro 2016, Batshuayi put Belgium 2-0 up against Hungary with his first touch after coming on as substitute, with the assist coming from future club team-mate, Eden Hazard.

Could he be the new Dider Drogba?

Batshuayi has been likened to former Chelsea powerhouse, Didier Drogba, who also joined the Blues from Marseille back in 2004. Despite the difference in height, Michy has the physical aspect, speed and agility to replicate the Ivory Coast striker, and a lot of responsibility has been placed on the young man’s shoulders.

He has also been compared to AC Milan striking legend Fillipo Inzaghi due to his technical ability.

Two very different types of striker and Bastshuayi seems to be right in the middle of both with his attributes.

 
Brought to you by Shoot!

3 responses to “Profile: Chelsea’s new £33m striker, Michy Batshuayi”

  1. Amos Nchock says:

    Welcome to the Blues the right place for you to be.

  2. Akinjide says:

    Good, energetic,young lad, hope your dreams be fulfilled with your new club. Can’t wait to celebrate your first goal. Good luck.

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