Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has claimed that Michy Batshuayi will be given more opportunities to impress for the West Londoners this season.
The Belgium international scored the goal that wrapped up the Premier League title for the Blues at West Bromwich Albion in May but was restricted to just one start in the top flight during the 2016-17 campaign.
Conte has praised Batshuayi's improvement at Chelsea and admits that the 24-year-old is more than deserving of an increased role up front after becoming more accustomed to English football.
"If you compare Michy with last season, he has improved a lot and he understands this league because it is not simple," the Italian told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
"He understands our style of football but he is another young player and he is working very hard to improve. This season he is finding many opportunities to play. In the Champions League, in the league, to come on during the game, to start the game.
"And if you remember last season he had few opportunities to play, but this season he is playing a lot. The most important thing is to show he is improving because, also don't forget, as a striker, I can utilise [Eden] Hazard.
"Last season we played two games with Hazard as a number nine, with Willian and Pedro. If I see a game where this is the solution I am ready to do that again, but Michy is deserving to have opportunities to show he can play."
Batshuayi has five goals in eight Chelsea appearances so far this season.
Giuseppe Labellarte
