Michy Batshuayi
Michy Batshuayi says his current situation at Crystal Palace is “difficult”, with the Chelsea loanee finding precious little time on the pitch. Batshuayi has linked up with Belgium over the international break despite his lack of club football, and scored in the opening goal in their 8-0 demolition of Belarus. He admits that it has been a difficult time at club level, and that he gets a sense of confidence from Belgium boss Roberto Martinez that he does not feel at Selhurst Park.
Michy Batshuayi said “I get a breath of renewed energy when I come into the national team, because it’s very hard for me at my club. The club and the national team are different. The coach, the team members and the system are different from that at Palace. With the Red Devils, I feel a lot of trust from the coach; trust that I do not get there [at Palace]. With Martinez, we talk to each other a lot, even when I’m back at my club. I give 200% not to disappoint him.”
Hopes had been high after the Chelsea striker sealed a second loan move to Selhurst Park, but the Belgium international has featured sparingly with Wilfried Zaha lining up in attack alongside a rotating cast of Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew. The arrival of Jean-Philippe Mateta has further restricted Batshuayi’s time on the pitch, with the 27-year-old starting just seven Premier League games this season. His last appearance ended prematurely back in February after he was substituted in the 3-0 loss against Burnley with half an hour remaining.
